Sweat and Blood!

It's been half-term. Had a lovely few days at my Mum and Dad's. Went to London on Tuesday for the second half of Ruan's birthday treat. It was also part of my birthday treat as I didn't get to do what I wanted on the day, 'cos Ru's broken his arm!

God, was it exhausting. We usually only fit in one or two things at the most, but I felt like I had tramped all over London and up and down every flight of stairs. My calves are still hurting three days later. I should have done warm up exercises beforehand!!

Ru wanted to go to the Science Museum, Hamley's and have a meal at the Rainforest Cafe. All I wanted was to visit the Blood on Paper exhibition at the V&A I had read about. We started at Convent Garden for lunch. For some strange reason we all decided to climb the 195 stairs at the tube station instead of taking the lift and then go back down that way onto our next destination. Science Museum - stairs, Hamley's - stairs, Rainforest Cafe - Stairs, etc etc etc.

Anyway I love the V&A, it's one of my favourite museums but I have to say I was really disappointed with the sketchbook exhibition. I'd read a review in Vogue. It rather gave the impression of it being a real mix of genres, with fashion, textiles and art, etc. The actual exhibition seemed to be a narrow mix of artists and photographers and it showed nothing of the processes that an artist might go through! Although there were flashes of beauty, most of the work on display was border line bland. When you think how prolific someone like Picasso was and then see the images they chose of his for this exhibition, so uninspiring. They also had a corner that an artist (sorry can't remember the name) had thrown what looked like soggy loo roll at the wall. Mmm!

I think the highlight of my trip was definitely the Super Berry juice at the Rainforest Cafe. My god, they are worth all the stairs, waiting for seats, unbearable heat and the high meal prices. Heavenly!!!!!!

Jonny, my husband, asked me the next day what had been the best bit of the day and I said the lying down on the floor in a comatose heap when we got back to my Mum and Dad's house.