The Tate Grounds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.