Ride an Ice Swan

Seasons Greetings to all our readers  ~8l:-D

Just got back from a fun packed weekend in the Metrop. Yes it's birthday time again - seems to come round on a regular basis!!












Started with a trip up the Shard. Amazin lifts travelling @ 15 mph - but you hardly feel the movement (not like the old ones that left your stomach on the lift floor!). Quite amazing viewing the whole of London in miniature from a flippin great hight. Trains looking like model railways, buildings in a model village and toy boats floating up the Thames. Feels like your in Lilliput.

Next day onto Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (no, nothing like the shambles in MiltonKeynes) this one just gets bigger n better every year. And this year a special event. An ice sculpture giant marque. Kept at a constant -8 degrees There were lifesize giants and dragons, all kinds of animals. A full size castle with stocks, prison and ice slide down to the moat :) The wander back through the Bavarian Village and the many craft stores surrounded by the smells of burning wood, waffles, doughnuts, mulled cider et al was just heady. 

Even an ice bar!

Don't know if you've read "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Haddon - now a modern classic and a truly original and inspirational book. Wasn't sure how this would transfer to the stage but the National Theatre, Simon Stephens, Mark Haddon and Mike Noble worked their magic to create a truly memorable performance.
(add: Know I said it was a cracking play but this Thursdays performance seems to have brought the roof down!)












Drinks in Soho and supper in Jamie Olivers - how else would you end a perfect day in perfect company.