A Grotesque Old Woman

Says Matt: We perused the National Gallery in London -and this was the one that really caught my eye: "A Grotesque Old Woman"- Quinten Massys around 1500. Forget Van Gogh, Seurat, Monet, Manet, Gaugin- Massys is top of the class. Some claim this was a satyrical composition.... what do you think? Our girls immediately said- 'why is that man wearing a dress?'

Lana: I thoroughly DISapprove of that image. National Gallery or not, it is FOUL!
Want to know my pick of the day?


"The Thames Below Westminster" by Claude Monet. Not only does it capture the timeless elegance of Impressionism but also the timeless elegance of London itself.

So yes, last Saturday Matt and I traveled to London (without kids). After spending the morning at the National Gallery, we stopped by the famous St. Martin-in-the-Fields church at Trafalgar Square:

Inside St. Martin-in-the-Fields:

Trafalgar Square - just outside the National Gallery.

China Town

We spent most of our afternoon in London's West End. We enjoyed lunch at a French cafe in Covent Garden, browsed the markets, and indulged in decadent desserts at a couple different patisseries.

The culminating event of our day was a stunning performance of Les Miserables. We'd forgotten how emotionally powerful this musical really is! The West-End theatres are small, to say the least, but we had such a phenomenal view of the cast (and the live orchestra!) The vocals were impeccable and the orchestra was amazing - the combination was beyond description! Having seen this same musical four times before (including once on Broadway) I have to say that London is by far my favourite. Put this atop your list of "must-sees" the next time you're in town!

After the show, we grabbed a quick bite to eat then battled the crowds in the Underground to make our way back to the train station. We arrived back in Peterborough at 8:00 PM and found the girls (babysitter included) happy at home.