...to go

Battersea Power Station

2008-08-11T22:39:00.003+01:00

Water loo

2008-08-03T22:45:00.003+01:00

Royal Hospital

2008-07-28T19:17:00.000+01:00

Vyner Street

2008-07-22T13:18:00.003+01:00

Sloane Square

2008-07-21T14:17:00.001+01:00

Bankside

2008-07-15T12:41:00.003+01:00

View from the Bargehouse Gallery, Oxo Tower

2008-07-14T02:21:00.002+01:00

View from the Courtauld Institute of Art

2008-06-22T21:11:00.005+01:00

Something Wonderful Has Happened...

2008-06-09T16:40:00.004+01:00

...the sun finally came out in Palermo....errghh Greenwich

A Late Evening Walk in Greenwich

2008-05-24T13:00:00.001+01:00

Westdale, Hamilton, Ontario

2008-05-14T15:14:00.002+01:00

Today

2008-03-21T15:08:00.002Z

Brighton

2008-03-13T21:57:00.002Z

Cold, windy, rainy, salty, and picturesque. I brought home an abundant collection of seashells.

Old Kent Road

2008-03-07T12:03:00.003Z

I don't enjoy taking the bus in London and the underground doesn't always take me to where I need to be. So sometimes I walk. Okay, I mostly walk. Especially that it hasn't rained in days! Once I came across this church in an expected area. London is full of architectural gems.

East Croydon

2008-03-04T10:29:00.004Z

I took the train to visit a friend who lives in South London. Her flat was just a short walk from the train station but I still managed to find very cute houses and an adorable pub. The farther away you get from central London the greener the scenery.

Rose Street

2008-03-02T12:45:00.007Z

I had no idea London can be that warm and sunny this time of the year. The patios spread onto the streets decorating the narrow sidewalks...even in front of a hairdressing salon.

When I was on my way to meet a friend in Leicester Square I received a call from her letting me know that she is running late. What a great opportunity to walk around the streets filled with the Saturday crowd, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of this crazy city. After our chat in a busy café of a smaller contemporary art gallery I popped into the National Gallery and said a quick hello to Mr. Renoir, Mr. Picasso, and Mr. Monet.

Earthquake

2008-02-27T11:20:00.006Z

At around one in the morning the walls is my room began to tremble and the mattress was sliding off my bed as I was laying on it and reading. My whole room was shaking. This morning one of my flatmates told me that he thought that our building may collapse, or at least the top floors. We live on the top floor. I am glad that I didn't have this conversation with him last night.

The tremor was felt in Newcastle, Yorkshire, London, Cumbria, the Midlands, Norfolk and also parts of Wales. The British Geological Survey said the epicentre of the 5.3 magnitude quake was near Market Rasen in Lincolnshire. It was the biggest recorded example since one with a magnitude of 5.4 struck north Wales in 1984.

I feel lucky that I am unable to provide photographs of my room suffering the results of the quake. There are people in England who had a sleepless night, suffered injuries and their homes are affected. Me? I am fortunate enough to hop in the shower, eat breakfast and be on my merry way to central London to meet my classmates for an author's talk.

My Other View

2008-02-25T22:40:00.003Z

One of the benefits of being a member at the Tate is the access to the Member's Room. It is located on the top floor and has a chic cafe with a great patio and of course a spectacular view of the city. Plus I get to see all the pretty pictures for free. Mmmmm...art.

Running

2008-02-22T00:15:00.004Z

There are times when I am in a hurry and don't make the effort to stop and take out my camera. Even though I was running late to a meeting I made a fast decision to come to a full stop and shoot. I am very glad I did. This is a part of the Southwark Cathedral where one can sit down with a cup of coffee or even a whole lunch and just simply enjoy this outdoor space.

The Great Trafalgar Square Freeze...I missed

2008-02-19T13:32:00.009Z

On the weekend I went with a friend to the Institute of Contemporary Arts to attend a curator's talk. It was very good. As I was making my way across the Trafalgar Square I have noticed hundreds of people buzzing around the grounds. Did all the tourists decide to come to the same place at once? We found out that while we were at the talk there was an organized "freeze" happening in the square next door. See it on youtube! Such a mass freeze was organized before in New York as well. It is impossible to be a part of all the interesting events while living in a busy city like London.

Richmond upon Thames Part 2

2008-02-17T14:14:00.004Z

Richmond is very lovely with plentiful boutiques, winding narrow streets, cute cafes and pretty houses. I enjoyed walking around in this new to me area without a map. Interesting buildings and inviting walkways were my only guides.

Richmond upon Thames Part 1

2008-02-15T22:02:00.004Z

I had the pleasure of meeting one of my classmates for coffee in her part of town. It is located on the south-west outskirts of London. It was chilly outside today and my walk along the river didn't last very long. But I did manage to take off one glove and snap a few photos of the calm scenery. The birds were making a bit of noise though.

A Beautiful Day

2008-02-10T12:17:00.000Z

I love yellow daffodils. They used to grow in my grandmother's garden and they remind me of my childhood...and spring.

I spend the very warm and sunny February day with my flatmates in Greenwich. First we went to the cinema and then we walked around the town. People were wearing short sleeves while reading on the benches in the park, cycling in shorts and drinking iced coffees. We took the long way home.

Serpentine Gallery

2008-02-07T22:13:00.000Z

I really enjoy going to the galleries on my own. I prefer it. I get to walk at my own speed, pause and look and contemplate for as long as I desire. I like to spend hours at the gallery's bookshop as well. The Serpentine Gallery shows international contemporary artists and has never disappointed me yet. The careful selection of the exhibitions is key! But I don't mean to be writing a review.

Its lovely location is another reason why I like to visit the Serpentine.

My First Time at the Museum! (...British, that is)

2008-02-04T12:30:00.000Z

Not bad, not bad...a very impressive ceiling.

The British Museum was founded in 1753. This is the place to look for the Rosetta stone and currently the Terracotta warriors.

I went to the Museum to meet with my lab partners to discuss our project.

We found a gallery and sat in front of this Korean house engrossed in a conversation for a long time. Until a very nice security guard pointed out that he already locked the exhibition door a few minutes ago. We decided to relocate to the cafe instead of spending the night in the house.

Manchester!

2008-02-02T11:43:00.000Z

Whenever I visit a new city, the passersby ask me for the directions. I am tired of disappointing strangers!

My cousin and I went to see the William Blake exhibition at the Whitworth Art Gallery, which is part of the University of Manchester.

We had a lot of fun shopping and discovering the city at night time.

Manchester's own big bright rotating eye. Except this one is in the middle of a shopping district and not near a body of water.

By taking a wrong turn we came across this colourful building.

The Glossop Project

2008-01-29T13:36:00.000Z

I took the train to visit my dear cousin in Glossop, about thirty minutes north of Manchester. The train ride was very relaxing, with green pastures and herds of sheep on both sides of the train tracks.

Glossop turned out to be very pretty and very English. I really liked the stone of the buildings.

And some of the houses were wonderful! My cousin was a bit frustrated with me as I tried to peek inside the windows to see if the furniture had equally as much character as the buildings did.

My View

2008-01-19T16:17:00.000Z

I call this view mine because it is from my flat's window. I woke up at three pm today because last night I stayed up reading great books until four in the morning. When I went to bed it was dark outside. When I woke up it was darkish. I gave myself the great gift of "no-television" and I read instead. Although I think because of that I am the last one to find out about all natural, biological, industrial, and other kinds of disasters in our world. I must admit that I sleep very well here in London.

On The Road... In Ontario

2008-01-03T21:24:00.000Z

Toronto

Hamilton

Burlington

Niagara Falls

Toronto

St. Paul's Cathedral at Night

2007-12-12T21:40:00.001Z

One last evening stroll before I leave for Canada. Two of my flatmates have already left London to spend the holidays with their families in Hawaii and L.A. Even though I am leaving behind a truly magical and festive city, which is my home now, I am looking forward to be reunited with my loved ones. It feels a bit strange flying back to a country that was my home for over a decade, and now I no longer have an address there.

Inside the Covent Garden Market

2007-12-11T22:54:00.000Z

Londoners are in the shopping mode. The city's stores are extra crowded with shoppers getting ready for the holiday season. I went shopping today, on a Tuesday, hoping that the stores will be less busy. Nope. Very busy. The stores are sparkling with decorations, the city is lit beautifully, and the holiday spirit is in the air! So is the freezing wind.

Trafalgar Square

2007-12-10T15:14:00.000Z

The Nelson's Column, a big laud fountain, and now a huge Christmas tree. All in this lively square which is located at the heart of London. This is also where The National Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery are located. This photo shows how dark, cloudy, and "winterly" London is at this time of the year.

Charing Cross

2007-12-06T23:12:00.000Z

I must admit that it took me a while to train myself to look in the correct direction when crossing the street. Most people in London cross the street anywhere and anytime, as soon as there is an opening. On most intersections there are actual signs painted onto the sidewalks that tell you which way to look before crossing the street. They have saved my life on numerous occasions.

The Pub Scene

2007-12-04T12:55:00.000Z

I do frequent the city's pubs, especially with my classmates after a full day of lectures and talks but only to order a nice glass of pinot grigio. In London the pubs are full on any day of the week, especially after work and in the evenings. Some of them have really interesting history, and some are just simply traditional. The Porcupine attracts the tourist crowd flooding out from Leicester Square and the theatre crowd on their way up to Cambridge Circus.

Knife on Fire

2007-12-01T11:04:00.000Z

Dinner time in flat 19! I share a large kitchen with four flatmates and have an amazingly functional unspoken system in place, from sharing food, to washing the dishes and preparing meals together. But once in a while something(one) malfunctions. This time I was boiling the milk on the stove for home-made lattes while apparently melting the nearby knife at the same time. I quickly turned it into an art project.

The Albert Memorial

2007-11-27T13:33:00.001Z

London embarked on the damp, cold, and rainy part of autumn. But during the few sunny days, I am able to enjoy sights like this one. This memorial is in Kensington Gardens and pays a tribute to Queen Victoria's husband who died of typhoid fever. It reflects Prince Albert's passion for the arts, as it is decorated with subjects from literature, painting, geography, music, as well as angels.

Somerset House

2007-11-19T13:03:00.000Z

J and I stumbled accidently upon this palace while walking down a busy street in central London. Built in 1547, this mansion became associated with the lavish entertainments of the royal court. Once a centre of the nation's naval power, today the Somerset House is an art gallery, an outdoor cinema, and a venue to a lively music scene featuring performances by Lily Allen, Mika, and Mogwai among others. Oh, and it also has an ice rink. London is getting ready for the Holidays.

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion

2007-11-13T15:38:00.000Z

The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion is designed by the internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson and the award-winning Norwegian architect Kjetil Thorsen, of the architectural practice Snøhetta. The Gallery and the Pavilion are located in London's Hyde Park, very near the Kensington Gardens and the horseback riding paths. This structure is used for Gallery talks, performances, and other events.

Natural History Museum

2007-11-12T13:55:00.000Z

By accident we got off at the wrong station and found this cool attraction outside of the Natural History Museum. The museums and galleries were so busy this weekend and the parks less crowded than usual. Yes, the cold part of autumn is here. Hence the ice rink outside of the Museum.

V

2007-11-08T13:00:00.001Z

Recently England celebrated Guy Fawkes Night. He plotted to blow up the building in the photo. He was in the cellar of the parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th. Guy was caught, tortured and executed. To commemorate the capture of Guy Fawkes the British celebrate with bonfires and fireworks, and by burning an effigy of Guy. I have also watched "V for Vendetta" with my flatmates, as well as attended a bonfire with my classmates in a friend's backyard. Very fun!

Don't Let a Good Night...

2007-11-06T18:42:00.000Z

I love this photo! J took it. An interesting angle and numerous little details make this picture awkward and fun at the same time.

Westminster Abbey

2007-11-05T11:59:00.000Z

One other late night stop on our journey through central London was the Westminster Abbey. Benedictine monks first came to this site in the middle of the tenth century, establishing a tradition of daily worship which continues to this day. Although J and I didn't go inside the church, we sneaked into the courtyard and wondered through the darkened corridors filled with tombs.

A Good Evening

2007-11-04T13:43:00.001Z

J and I have always enjoyed late night walks. In this city they are just as entertaining as during the day time. The atmosphere is very romantic and the buildings, even the residential ones, are lit in very strategic ways. The streets are always busy. Everyone walks really fast here, even late at night. This time of year it gets dark in London before five o'clock.

Covent Garden Market

2007-11-03T12:36:00.001Z

This busy market is in central London and stretches across a whole square, next to the Opera House. I like it better by night. One can find here pretty crafty things, delicious pastries and posh restaurants. J and I sat on the top terrace and enjoyed a couple of drinks when a mouse ran across the floor...and back! Despite this mice problem, the market is visited by close to one million people per week.

The Tate Grounds

2007-10-29T11:46:00.000Z

Yes, back to the Tate Modern again. I can't help myself! It is only ten minutes away from where I live by train. I even like the simple exterior of the gallery, located really close to the water. Each time I try to conquer a new wing. I think its membership time!

Bankside

2007-10-26T20:53:00.000+01:00

And this is the view to the west of the Tate Modern in Bankside, an area of Southwark, very close to the London Bridge. Yes, I do frequent this area quite a bit. Even though most days in London are cloudy, the sun does come out once in a while, illuminating the buildings with a yellow glow. There is a helicopter in this photo, carrying a cheerful sign prior to one of the rugby games.

The View

2007-10-25T20:58:00.000+01:00

This is the view facing away from the Palace. A few monuments lit by the fancy street lamps, many touristas, and of course the Eye in the distance. All illuminated by the setting sun. To the left my cousin is making his way to take a photograph of his own.

St. James's Park

2007-10-24T10:28:00.000+01:00

This park is really beautiful. We walked among pink and purple flowers, silver squirrels, couples eating sushi on benches, and black swans swimming across the lake. This park leads towards the Buckingham Palace.

St. Paul's Cathedral

2007-10-23T12:33:00.000+01:00

This spectacular cathedral is located directly on the other side of the river, across from the Tate Modern. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The whole structure is so white! I am yet to step inside it. It was interesting to see this huge cathedral surrounded so closely by buses, apartment buildings, shops, telephone booths, and sidewalks. It stands closely to the commotion of the everyday city life.

Crossing

2007-10-22T10:56:00.000+01:00

This view is from the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian-only steel suspension bridge crossing the river and linking Bankside with the city. On one side is the Tate Modern, on the other is St. Paul's Cathedral. But these are the buildings leading up to both of the attractions. Pretty colours.

Maman 1999

2007-10-21T16:18:00.000+01:00

My cousin came to visit me for the whole weekend and we decided to take a long discovery walk along the Thames. One of our stops was the Tate Modern. The weather was friendly and the art fascinating. We have spend a great deal of time outside of the gallery enjoying this piece by Louise Bourgeois, and inside my cousin took many photos of Doris Salcedo's "crack". We ended our artful adventure in a darkened room with Mark Rothko. Very satisfying.

Pretty In Red

2007-10-19T11:23:00.000+01:00

This is a bit of a rant. I cannot believe how expensive it is to make a phone call from a public telephone booth. It costs something like one pound per minute. Although the booths are very attractive I must admit. This is how they lure you in. One of the first things I did upon my arrival was purchased a mobile phone. Now I can call home for only five pence per minute. (I should star in a commercial)

Frieze

2007-10-18T11:37:00.000+01:00

The Frieze Art Fair featured over 150 galleries from around the world, even Poland. It took me hours to visit most of the artworks. Frieze is also a very good contemporary art magazine. Every year the fair takes place in the month of October in a pavillion in Regent's Park. The underground was filled that day mostly with two kinds of people: those going to the art fair and others who were making their way to their favourite pub to watch the rugby game. Or was it football?

Underneath It All

2007-10-17T10:44:00.001+01:00

I finally had the opportunity to stand directly below the London Eye. Up to this point I have only seen it from a distance. It is very large and I no longer feel the same sense of ugency to go on it. Fear of heights? Fear of the eye!

Southwark Cathedral

2007-10-16T11:18:00.000+01:00

London at night. One of my flatmates and I decided to take a late evening walk along the Thames. As we exited the London Bridge underground station, this marvelously lit cathedral greeted us from across the street. This site was occupied by a church for over one thousand years! The numerous churches and cathedrals add so much character to the city.

Notting Hill

2007-10-15T13:57:00.001+01:00

This area of London is just perfect. Crisp. White. Clean. Some places in the city feel like they could be anywhere in the world, just another place. But not Notting Hill. It is exclusive to London. When I was walking among the gorgeous houses, there was hardly anybody on the steets. It was a very serene experience.

Portobello Road Market

2007-10-14T11:07:00.000+01:00

This market is located in the lovely Notting Hill. It proclaims to be the largest antique market in the world. I couldn't believe how British the market is. The tea cups, references to Wimbledon and rugby, the red telephone booth inspired exterior of the store...I wonder who Alice is?

Greenwich Park

2007-10-13T08:18:00.000+01:00

One day I strolled down with a friend to a local park and we ended up on a hill overlooking the city. On top of this hill was the Royal Observatory. Our view was the Devonport House, the National Maritime Museum, and the beautiful Queen's House. Greenwich Park is the oldest of London's royal parks. And it is just a Sunday afternoon walk away from where I live.

Untitled I

2007-10-12T08:38:00.001+01:00

I saw this wonderful sculpture when walking by the National Portrait Gallery in the Trafalgar Square. It is quite large and placed on a very tall pedestal. It is hard to see the figure's legs. The whiteness of the stone and the curvy forms contrast with the rest of the sharp and grey architectural features of the neighbouring Gallery and other buildings. I have noticed that pigeons like to sit on its head.

The Eye

2007-10-11T09:16:00.000+01:00

Whenever I walk along the river, this structure is my guiding light. I can find my position according to its visual proximity from me. It is lit at night and often I can see it from where I live. Apparently there are hour long line ups to go on it and one must purchase tickets in advance. How many "spins" does one get? I am yet to try it. London's third eye.

Its London Time

2007-10-10T14:00:00.000+01:00

I am very happy to finally be here in the UK. London is a very exciting city. So big. It is so easy to get lost in the city. And even easier to find your way back to the flat again. I have to keep remembering to look down once in a while. My head has been in the clouds since I've got here. The skyscape is crowded with ornamental buildings. Some of them even tell time.

Fate?

2007-09-12T21:23:00.000+01:00

August 31. Moving day. Stuck in a friends' condo for hours downtown Toronto. Waiting for the gas leak to be repaired. What were the odds to park the truck a minute before the yellow police tape went up around the block? Thanks to the five great friends who have helped out with the move and kept me sane. Finished moving to H. at around midnight.

In The Air

2007-08-22T19:19:00.001+01:00

This sculpture is installed in a lovely little courtyard with a waterfall by a French restaurant downtown. It hangs above everyone's heads and cannot be touched. I saw it being installed in the spring. It is my favourite out of all the sculptures I have come across so far in the city. I like to watch the squirrels react to it.

A Walk In The Park

2007-08-22T04:00:00.001+01:00

Pretty colours in a local park. Only a few minutes away from where I currently live. During such beautiful summer days I tend to forget how harsh the winter can be. I cannot imagine this park decaying, dying, freezing... changing into a kind of a dark beauty.

I like the two distinctive scents of blooming flowers and car fumes mixing in the air. A perfect city scentscape.

My Auto Response

2007-08-19T05:30:00.001+01:00

mmmm...The Power Plant. Once entered, the most perfectly delicious treat for the eyes. I really like the many gallery spaces it contains. I love the concrete floors and high ceilings. And the art is fine as well.

Saw an art exhibition. An important one for Toronto. What was interesting to me were the various odors inside each of the smaller rooms containing a projection. They were not familiar smells. And definitely not part of any artwork.

The Biggest Fan

2007-08-08T21:24:00.000+01:00

I like structures. This one marks the entry (or departure) point to the city. Some days it rotates slowly and some days really fast. It is Toronto's only windmill. So lonely.

I like to follow it with my eyes for as long as I can while driving pass it in the car. Sometimes I lose it from my field of vision while under a bridge. But then I can see it again. It is awkward in the cityscape yet so graceful against the sky. A lovely landmark.

TickTock

2007-08-08T16:06:00.000+01:00

ummm...so I guess this is what blogging is like? cool.
I am currently in Toronto but soon will be moving to London...England. So much to do before I go. Time is running away, forward, in a loop, however it is traveling, it is definitely escaping. A few weeks left here in Tee dot to figure "it all" out.
Wow, apparently I like to be vague.