Holland Park: Kyoto Garden

Reflections on Tranquillity.

Friday October 27, 2017.

The Kyoto Garden, Holland Park, is one of those places that I had heard a lot about, but, considering my love for all things Japanese, had never visited. This past week I rectified that oversight. 

With the leaves, on the surrounding trees, creating a coloured patchwork of a myriad colours, coupled with the crystal clear sky, there were so many great photo opportunities that I could have spent the entire day there.

It is definitely a place that I will be visiting again.

'Golden Hinde'

All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.

Sunday October 15, 2017.

I have often stopped to look at this replica of Sir Francis Drake's world famous ship, but still have yet to set foot on her decks. 

Repairs are continuously underway.

Sometime soon I intend to take my girls aboard and, by so doing, will fulfil a personal dream.

'City of Champions' by Stephen Brown

Cast of Champions.

Cast, left to right : Amy Burke, Joel Arnold, Joe Southall, Steve Brown (writer and director), Ellie Ward, Maggie Robson and Ian McCurrach.

Saturday August 5, 2017.

I had a thoroughly amazing time watching the final night of City of Champions, at the London Theatre Workshop. 

The play took us through a roller coaster of emotions; some funny and humourous highs to some very dark and emotional lows. 

London Theatre Workshop.

The cast were superb and really brought the characters to life with great dialogue and wonderful chemistry. 

I find myself fortunate to have seen this play twice and to have seen it grow from those first early drafts, some six years ago.

'Temple' by Damien Hirst

A 'Temple' in the Heart of the City.

Saturday August 5, 2017.

This sculpture, by Damien Hirst, stands just to the east of Leadenhall Market. It is a sculpture that is gorgeously designed with amazing colours. 

It might not be to everyone's taste and may upset smaller children, but it is a beauty to behold. 

Gallery

Iron Maiden: Book of Souls Tour, 2017

Highlights of Iron Maiden's Book of Souls Tour, 2017, at the O2 Arena.

Saturday May 27, 2017.

Following the release of their latest, and possibly best, album, Iron Maiden were touring the world again. And, once again, David and myself would meet up in London, make a day of it and enjoy the concert.

Once again we met, ate and drank, before taking the Thames Clipper which was full of Iron Maiden fans to the Greenwich Peninsula.

Unlike 4 years ago, we made a point of watching the support act, Shinedown, as they were meant to be really good live. Now, any Iron Maiden fan, worth his salt, will tell you that the support act is there to fill the void before the main event and is usually an act being given the chance to play the big arenas. This time, however, things were different. Shinedown were electric and worked the crowd well. It was almost like they were the main act.

Having said that, when Iron Maiden did finally take to the stage, everything else was forgotten. As usual Iron Maiden blew everyone away.

Following the encore we made our way out of the arena and back to the Thames Clipper, and were homeward bound. 

Roll on the next tour.

Up the IRONS!

Iron Maiden