Merry Christmas

found here via

Wrapping it up

We are wrapping it up slowly here in London. Snow has been seen on the outskirts and people are slowly getting into festive spirits. I had a lot of fun with my London blog this first year, saw new things, learned a lot, met new friends and experienced London and more! I very much hope you enjoyed popping by from time to time!

I am now looking foward to an exciting, challenging and happy 2012 and wish you all the same! But before we start a new year, have a very ...

hans chu

See you soon!

Visual Note - Christmas Cookies

greyorgreen

London on Christmas Day

What a lovely idea to do on a Christmas morning. One day we will try to do the same! Imagine pictures of London without people. Amazing? Spooky? Romantic?

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Wilton's Music Hall

Ever been to Wilton's Music Hall? It's the oldest music Hall in the country, a crumbling old building with a very ambitious program. I once went to see an inspired production of Bizet's Carmen with South African township singers. The atmosphere of the building is fantastic. Tomorrow they will host a celebration of W.G. Max Sebald with Ian Bostridge, A.S. Byatt and others. There is a Christmas Magic Show on Thursday and in January the outstanding Kronos Quartett will be on stage (but sadly this event is already sold out).

Visual Note - Richmond Park in December

hans chu

Things were no longer sweet

in the cookie jar

by Cat MacBrid 
found here via

Gift Idea

found here

To contemplate on route and destination(s) ...

Curious?

I only just found out about the Wellcome Collection, a "free destination for the incurable curious". It does sound like a fascinating concept. Based on the collection of Sir Henry Wellcome, whose passion for medicine led him to collect more than a million objects, the aim of the Wellcome collection today is to connect science with art and/or history, explore our relationship with the world of science through exhibitions like 'Sleeping and Dreaming', or 'Life before Death'. This Saturday you can join a Pop-up Anatomy lesson or learn all about a"Charmed Life"!

I for one love these inter-disciplinary approaches.

the line is thin ...
Church of the

Lower Austrian Institution for the Cure and Care of Mental and Nervous Disorder

found here

PS. The museum is on Euston Road, close to the British Library

On the Ice

Although we are a family with young children, we already have a few sacred family traditions. One was going to the ice rink at Kew Garden before Christmas. The setting was marvellous, just in front of the Palm House.
Sadly, they stopped it a couple of years ago. There are a few fairly recent new options around town now like the ice rink in front of the National History Museum, at the Winterwonderland in Hyde Park or the one at Somerset House, but we do miss the feeling of open space.
Therefore we might go and try out the ice rink at Hampton Court this weekend! Wish us steady feet!

by Ane Cathrine Buck 

found here

Some inspiration

for the coming days and weeks

London Weekend destinations

found here

Islington Christmas Extravaganza this coming weekend with reindeer, craft and food market, music and a climbing wall in case you want to get up there and see for yourself

And if you are in the area and need to warm up, try Kipferl, a lovely Viennese coffee house on Camden Passage

or re-create it at home with this tempting looking recipe - Chocolate Cinnamon Teacakes

you will find the receipts here at 'what katie ate'

Go West and enjoy some Christmas revels - 17th century music at Ham House (4.,11.,18.12),

or don't go that far back in time and visit Cadogan Hall on the 13.12 to hear  Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester with some glorious 20's and 30's music and entertainment to get you into the mood.

found here