Everyday I Write The Book

Happy November! It is only fitting that after having been MIA for 6-7 weeks I return with an Elvis Costello song as the title. Hooray I am back having gotten wrapped up in real life. Still no permanent full time job but I've been having an interesting time these last few weeks working for an Interfaith network and a Community foundation.

So today I wanted to focus on a collection of photographs I took around London regarding book benches. Fifty benches were commissioned depicting well known British books and these placed throughout various green spaces in London. I posted a photo a few entries earlier about the bench that was close to were I was staying at LSE but here the rest of the collection. It was part of a fundraising effort for the National Literary Trust called Books about Town. And no, I did not get to all 50 but I made a good dent. Besides seeing how the books were depicted it was also a great way for me to make my way throughout London and get my bearings. So without further adieu, I bring you books.

So this is actually the 51st book bench chosen by readers, "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman

 The always enchanting "Mary Poppins" by PL Travers

Sadly could not get the front of "Peter Pan" bench by JM Barrie

"How to Train your Dragon" by Cressida Cowell

There was a montage of different Dr. Seuss books which was fun.

A book I had not heard about, "Clarice Bean" by Lauren Child.

Disappointing "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll

So that's all in this post and now onto part 2!

Sweet Thames, Flow Softly

Another beautiful day in London, I admit I have been fortunate with only 1.5-2 days which were miserable and rainy, so it was off to meet Lindsay at South bank. Now South bank is exactly where it sounds, on the south bank of the Thames and it is a huge arts area with venues and performers. The London Eye is on this side and you can see across the Thames for a beautiful view of the Parliament buildings and Big Ben.

First off, Lindsay and I did late lunch at a restaurant called Canteen. We hadn't really made a choice but I was distracted by the colourful artwork above the outdoor seating. This may have been one of the best meals I've ever had. The menu is British cuisine and so I had roasted chicken with salad and this amazing herb mayo, truly one of the best meals. I may have been unduly influenced by the fact that it was the first regular dinner I had eaten in 2 weeks, I was on a bit of a hummus and veggies kick. Makes no difference it was phenomenal, if you're ever at the South bank, go to Canteen. In keeping with British cuisine Lindsay had beef and tomato pie and we learned about a little dessert known as Eton Mess. MMMMmmm, next time we will save room for it.

This is what caught my eye as we were looking for a lunch location

After an amazing lunch we walked around the building and ended up on the South bank promenade.

The London Eye, I was directly underneath so it was difficult to get a longview

Batgirl gets her glow on

Walked the South bank and then met up with Lindsay's friend who kindly bought us a pitcher Pimm's at a secret drinking location. We were sworn to secrecy not to reveal this particular watering hole. And then it was a brief walk through the BFI (British Film Institute) centre and home again. I'm hoping to become a bit more familiar with the BFI South bank as I have applied to volunteer for the London Film Festival (fingers crossed).