As promised to myself I switched my phone off and went out for the day yesterday. But not before I had a couple of missed calls in the morning, both from undesirebles who for some strange reason, think they can waste my time and have it not occur to them that I would’ve saved their mobile numbers, in one chap’s case, both numbers, to prevent them from wasting my time again. I must admit, it perversely tickles me when timewasters call me back, thinking that I’m just that thick I wouldn’t have saved their number from the first instance.

So phone off and I’m off, to London Bridge, first to the Tate Modern, where I saw some wonderful art and admittedly, some art I just didn’t get. There was a free exhibition by film-maker Tacita Dean, which, although I understood her perspective as a film-maker, I still didn’t get. And when I walked in from the River entrance, in the Turbine Hall to my left, there was a massive silent movie on a giant screen with bubbles and what looked like an egg, and then feet. I think I’m one of those people that just appreciates old-fashioned art, like the Rembrandt and Van Gogh Museums which I saw when I went to Amsterdam back in 2000. Now that was art.

I managed to cover all levels, getting lost on level 5. This was 3pm by now and my feet was beginning to ache from standing/walking on them all day (why I didn’t wear my Birkenstocks I don’t know). My temper was beginning to fray. I felt stupid, having to give in and ask one of the curators the way out. I still didn’t find my way out immediately but I got there in the end.

It was 3.30 by the time I made my way to Borough Market. I was sorely tempted to take my boots off and walk in my socks but I resisted the temptation. I enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells that came with the market. I’m not sure if it was the time of the day but it wasn’t as busy as I’ve normally experienced it. I bought my usual delicacies and some cakes from Konditor and Cook. I couldn’t find the bloke that sold some wicked honey I’d bought previously, but towards one end of the market I saw a stall which sold some pickles, chutneys and honey. I was put off though, by the fact that the whole time I was standing there trying one of her samples (by now stale bread dipped in some expensive honey) the stall-holder was gassing on her mobile to a family member – I could tell it was either a family member or family friend because she mentioned her dad a couple of times – and I thought to myself that as she couldn’t be bothered to get off the phone and see to me I’ll leave, so I did. I didn’t see why I should give my hard-earned to a woman with such crap customer service.
Anyway, I just about made it home by 5pm but I did have to catch a taxi from the station. My feet was killing me by
then and there was no way I could walk the 10mins home. I said my excuse me’s to the taxi driver and took my boots off in the cab. As soon as I got indoors I stuck my feet in some hot water. Next time I go walk-about I’ll wear my Birks.

If I give myself another day off I think I’ll go to the British Museum. As I said I haven’t been since my school days and it’s about time I add it to the list of things to do in London. There’s also the British Library. I may even be able to visit them both in the same day, like I did a couple of years ago with the Museum of Natural History and the Science Museum in South Kensington. I’ll see how the rest of the year goes. I have another two days of training coming up in the next 10 days and I’ve signed up for another course in December. If I get another Friday to myself, I’m off again.

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Below are some pictures I took inside the gallery. Excuse the lighting, remember there was no flash photography allowed. I also tried to remember the name of some of the pieces I took pictures of, but 24hrs later my mind’s a blank. Hope you like them though.

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More pics of my day out.