London calling

Back in London last weekend we still managed to find things to see and do that we hadn't yet seen or done! It is such a big city bursting with history, culture, art and people that it always seems different. This time we managed visits to the Natural History Museum (although NOT recommended to go on a Saturday - way too many kids !!!), Somerset House (for the small, but magnificent Courtauld collection), Hyde Park / Kensington Gardens (including the Princess Diana memorial fountain and the Peter Pan statue), the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Carnaby Street, the Imperial War Museum, and last but not least, the highlight for me - ABBA World !

The only disappointment of the weekend came when departing from Stansted airport - we had to "surrender" our latest addition to the snowdome collection - it was too big and did not fall within the strict limit of 100ml of liquids permitted on board :-( Damn it, didn't even think of that when we bought it!

The collection of impressionist & post impressionist, baroque and renaissance paintings that make up the Courtauld Collection (on show at Somerset House) is nothing but impressive. As I wandered through the small rooms of the multi storey house I was surprised at how many times I said to myself "hey, I know that painting, that painting is famous". From Manet, Gauguin, Monet, van Gogh, Renoir to Matisse, Cezanne, Rubens, Boticelli and Breughel. It was really like wandering through someone's house, and with little visible security you could get up close and personal to the paintings. Highly recommend a visit to this intimate gallery, especially if you want to beat the crowds of the bigger galleries.

Officially opened by The Queen in 2004 the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is more a sculpture than a tradtional fountain. Made up of 545 pieces of Cornish granite, the design aims to reflect Diana's life ! Water flows from the highest point in two directions - cascading, swirling and bubbling down the hill before meeting in the calm pool at the bottom. The water is constantly being replenished from London's own water table far below. I can imagine it must be a popular spot in warmer weather - perfect for dangling those feet in on a hot summer's day :-)

Confirmed to open in Melbourne's very own Federation Square in June for any of you ABBA fans, ABBA World is one big, fantastic trip down memory lane. Jam packed with original memorabilia, some owned by the members themselves, you are guided chronologically through 25 different rooms!! Everything from stage clothes, instruments, theatre props, personal belongings, unique film & tv footage and loads of photos. The original helicopter from the Arrival album was even on show. And of course with ABBA music blaring out from all directions the place was buzzing with people humming and singing along :-)

Who knows what funky London has in store for us next time.

Alli xxx