Art, beer and too many people...yes, London time!

3rd November 2011.
After a long, ridiculous strategy of handing out tickets, we all managed to get on the train before it was too late. The train journey...standard. I tried to sleep whilst a business man bragged to a stranger how successful he is. We arrive in London and go to our hotel, Royal National Hotel. Checking-in appeared to be an impossible task; it was too hot and unorganised, but a Twister ice lolly made everything better. After a good hour, it was time to start the day. We strolled the streets in London to the train station, where myself and a handful of others were separated from the rest of the team. (The photo is of Louise telling her Dad how we were already lost).

This was due to the hectic London lifestyle and a certain someone walking straight into a lamp post (not mentioning any names....Graham). We decided to take it upon ourselves to follow the so-called itinerary, yet didn't manage to find anyone until the Whitechapel Art Gallery at about 5-6ish.  As Newton Faulkner says, 'People should smile more.' The staff in the Whitechapel Art Gallery took themselves too seriously. Vyner Street Galleries and the First Thursday entertainment was amazing. I loved walking up and down this street full of hundreds of people, appreciating the artwork...with a beer! :)  One of my favourite artists was Anya Red; a BA(Hons) Fine Art student who created work around the fascination of high heels. Her question was 'Do they provoke a sexual thrill or show a woman's desire for power in the Man's world?' After working up an appetite a few of us went to an Italian restaurant, where of course I order more than I can manage. Louise and I ordered a starter of garlic bread each which turned out to be as big as a large pizza. We demolished that easily and was applauded. Then when our huge portion of lasagne came, all I can say is I almost exploded. I don't like to be defeated. Louise was managing more than I was, so tactfully I made her laugh to ensure she wouldn't be able to eat another mouthful. Genius! We then all separated and did our own thing.

4th November 2011.

After a few snoozes on the alarm, we went for breakfast at 9am. Again we ate too much. A bowl of cereal, a bowl of fruit and three pieces of toast. How I hate my competitive ways. Anyway, as we'd pretty much covered all of the galleries on our own the day before, we departed from the group and went shopping in Camden. Self explanitory really; it was amazing.

We explored Tate Britain and Tate Modern, before heading back to the hotel for 6pm to collect our bags. We got our bags at 6.20pm! But all was cool, because we finally spotted our first celebrity. Well some guy out of Emmerdale but hey, we were at Euston Station after all. 7pm got on train and had an amazing little nap. Thanks Mark and Dave for photographing me whilst asleep...very grateful! haha 8.30pm we arrive back in good ol' Stoke.