Monday 24 October 2011

Top Girls

Living in London, there are so many plays and shows to go to that if you had the money you could go to a different one each week. Unfortunately the cost of theatre tickets has risen steeply over the years and I only seem to go when I can find a good offer. I managed to get excellent seats to see 'Top Girls' at the Trafalgar Studios this weekend. As it starred a favourite actress - Suranne Jones I was really looking forward to it. Perhaps I should have carried out a little more research into the subject matter. What a let down. A poor plot with an equal lack of characterisation. Although the acting was good it can only be as good as the script which was so without substance I am surprised it has had the run that it has had. Never mind there's always The Jersey Boys to re energise my love of the theatre.

Friday 21 October 2011

Volunteering

Yesterday I did my first day of volunteering. I wasn't that sure what to expect. I had done all the training but of course it's never quite the same as the real thing.  I am working from the 19th floor of an office block in Canary Wharf. The views were amazing as was the weather. My role involves interviewing prospective volunteers for the Olympics. The interviews should take 15 minutes as we ask each candidate the same questions and then after the interview we mark their answers from 1 to 5. It was fascinating to meet some of the people who are volunteering. I suppose I didn't expect to be meeting such high fliers - such is the pull of the Olympics.

Sunday 16 October 2011

Olympic Volunteer interview

Today I went along to Excel again for my interview to be a volunteer during the Olympics and Paralympics. I couldn't remember what I had put on the application form and so had no idea what  type of job I had requested. As I am passionate about athletics I assumed I would have asked for something connected to the Stadium. I was actually interviewed under the heading of cleaning, catering and waste!

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Little Venice

On what seemed to be the first day of Autumn J and myself discovered Little Venice. The area was much smaller than I imagined but definitely picturesque. The idea was to walk from Little Venice to Camden Lock along the tow path which in theory you are supposed to be able to do but today was the day that clearing the tow path of old plants and leaves was taking place! A lot of the one hour walk took place on the pavements above the tow path but once we were through Maida Vale we were allowed back onto the pathway. The section through Regents Park and the Zoo was by far the best with the weeping willows and great views of Snowdon's aviary. In the main an enjoyable walk but next time I think I will start at Camden Lock and turn round once I hit the grotty bits.

Saturday 1 October 2011

Westerham

The amazing unexpected sunshine and high temperatures prompted a walk along the Greensand Way in Westerham. It is quite a gentle walk but has spectacular views over the Downs.  Being now free of work I can do these things mid week and avoid the crowds so one of the highlights of the walk was the peace and joy of the uninterrupted sounds of the countryside. Fabulous.