Rowing on a Rooftop

Last night I went with a friend to see the Psycho Buildings Exhibition at The Hayward Gallery. We walked through a myriad of experimental architecture like Lycra pod rooms with sacks of spices hanging - mmmmm - and distorted viaduct tunnels, etc.
The highlight of the evening, though, was the installation entitled, "Normally, Proceeding and Unrestricted with without Title" by a group of Austrian artists. They built a body of water on the rooftop of the Hayward and built little boats - with no rudders or engines, just big watercooler bottles attached to the back as "bumpers" I would guess. One first has to walk out onto the dock, which is bouncing on the water and looks as though it's falling apart. You're then asked to plunk yourself into these adorable little boats, that frankly, look like glorified cardboard boxes.
It was fully dark, so we were rowing under the city lights with the London eye and parliament off in the distance, and I found myself filled with glee while we figured out how to work the oars and how not to bump into the others! Thankfully we managed without any crashes or splashes - truly surreal and amazing!

Anastasia's Bicycle

Anastasia has lent me her bicycle for the month while she's away. My first ride was 9 o'clock at night and I decided to ride to Uni and back to see how long it would take. There was lightening, but no thunder, so the air was charged with negative ions.
I cannot fully express how exhilerating it was to ride through the streets of London for the first time. I'd only ever walked or rode busses through - and the occasional cab ride - but being so mobile and so out in the open was amazing! Getting to Uni took 30 minutes - I took the scenic route back through Soho, Mayfair and Hyde Park. I'm hooked.

On Round Pond

I've thought of starting a somewhat personal blog for quite some time now, but have had hesitation because I've always wondered - who has time to read these things anyway?
And I certainly don't want to get too personal.

However, at least once a week, something notable happens that I'd like to share without sending an email en-masse or announcing it on facebook. facebook is full of ex-students, work colleagues, bosses, and acquaintences that I really dont feel comfortable sharing everything with - as many have these updates arrive in their inboxes.

That said, my mother needs to hear from me on a regular basis or she fears I'm dead, and though I'm usually good at keeping in touch, this will be another outlet for her to find me in.

So getting on with it.

A few nights ago, I went for a run in Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens. While running around the Round Pond, I noticed people watching a duck in earnest. As I ran past, I saw that she had some very small chicks under one of her wings. I stopped and stooped down just in time to see her laying an egg!
Now, I'm not sure, but I thought they laid eggs in nests - and certainly not standing up. And judging from the other chicks standing there, I'd have to say the egg wasn't going to stay an egg for too long.
A swan seemed to be protecting her as it spread its wingspan to block the view for a moment.
The duck then blinked at me as I gushed at the site and I got up to let her get on with it.

As I started running again, I noticed a very familiar looking guy running towards me.
As he got closer, I noticed it was Pierce Brosnan! :)

I melted right there...