The Last Good Days of the Year

[commonpeople1]

If you ever happen to be in the Shadwell/Limehouse area (London's Docklands) or you want somewhere unusual to go for a cup of coffee, a meal and a spot of art, then I highly recommend the Wapping Project. It used to be Wapping's Hydraulic Power Station and much of the original equipment and building features are still there. In the back, there's a large warehouse type room where different art projects get showcased from time to time.



We visited the Wapping Project last weekend because wink_martindale thought there was a bookshop on its roof. The bookshop is actually on the lawn outside the building, with pillows and chairs scattered about for you to read or drink your coffee/tea in peace.



I've been enjoying this summer but I'm no fool in thinking London doesn't need some rain soon. We lay in the park yesterday and all the grass was brittle and dry. Brought back memories of that summer a few years back when everything got scorched and some people passed away because of the heat. That would be terrible! In my ideal world, it rains all week during the day and the nights are balmy and quiet; during the weekends we get lovely sunny weather up there in the 40s Celsius. Wouldn't that be perfect?

On Friday, we had some drinks with rosamicula and her friends in Saff London because she's soon off to somewhere that rains all week, has balmy and quiet nights, and the weather can go up to the 40s: Sri Lanka! Or at least that's my guess of what Sri Lanka is like. I didn't think I'd know anyone apart from Rosamicula at the gathering (in a beer garden at the end of Lower Marsh), but quite a few recognisable (and one or two infamous) faces were present. It was a particular pleasure to speak to stickette, who has known Rosamicula since they were 11, as well as catch up with arkady. Arkady got to meet Wink and our table had some lively discussions on aluminium-made arrows, Sherlock Homes, and a whole lot more - we even rebelled and refused to move when Rosamicula came around and told us we should go sit on the side of the garden that was well lit. I was drinking on an empty stomach all night and unaware until then we were all sitting in darkness.

Today, I'm dropping by Rosamicula's at some point to borrow all her french books. I'm taking care of them while she's in Sri Lanka until 2011.

Scenes from "Chorus" and a brief wander in Canary Wharf afterwards. "Chorus" is a piece by the British collective United Visual Artists, presented at the Wapping Project (16 June - 18 July 2010). Soundtrack is Motoi Sakuraba's "Floating in the Air" (unrelated to "Chorus").

(I really really need to get a new camera.)

Comments

[millionreasons.livejournal.com]

The Wapping Project sounds ace - I thought it was just a restaurant, I didn't realise there was a cafe-cum-bookshop-cum-garden too.

I also really like Last Good Day of the Year by Cousteau, but it's a September song, I reckon.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I think the bookshop is new - just mostly art books. I'd like to try the restaurant some time - it does look good. The staff are friendly too and the coffee was nice.

Did Cousteau do anything else interesting? I have that song from an Uncut free CD.

[millionreasons.livejournal.com]

I think I have an album somewhere. That's defo the best song though.

[stevek.livejournal.com]

You and Wink do seem to visit some very interesting places and you make it sound all rather idyllic too. :-)

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I have been told in the past I'm good at marketing. :-P

But honestly, it's a nice little place to visit if you happen to be there. I have some more photos I took here.

[stevek.livejournal.com]

It's not just your description of the venues, but I think it's more your interaction with Wink that makes it idyllic sounding. I'm not sure if I'm making any sense, so I'll try and elaborate next time we meet. :-)

Saying that, the venue definitely looks an interesting place to visit and one that I'll add to my list of places to take the new camera. :-)

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Ah, I think I know what you mean - him and I do tend to do very chilled out things together. It's very idyllic indeed in the sense of being quiet and relaxed - just the way I like my weekends most of the time!

[stevek.livejournal.com]

Yes... that's exactly it! :-)

And it's possibly that reason, that I can't quite imagine you two having huge arguments either. :-)

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

We've been together for nearly twelve years and I think we only had a couple of big arguments - all at the start of the relationship. The big one was during Montreal's Jazz Festival - we walked home on different sides of the street! And I can't even remember what that was all about.

We are very similar in temperament and have very similar tastes too. We do nag each other though sometimes...

[stevek.livejournal.com]

You're very lucky in having a relationship that many people can only dream about. :-)

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

:-)
Thanks Steve. There's a lot of work and conversation involved... compromise, etc. It's something that everyone can have! I wish for anyone who wants something similar in their life to find it one day.

It's what my mother told me once: "for a relationship to work, there has to be friendship before passion."

[skincare-expert.livejournal.com]

What's wink's sign, ollie?

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Leo with ascendant in Leo!

[skincare-expert.livejournal.com]

Ahh, gotta love Leos! Do you know his moon sign?

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I can't remember. I'll ask him later. :-)

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

He thinks it's Gemini, but he's not sure!

[meemeedarling.livejournal.com]

What a grand idea to have a little outdoor area for coffee and reading. It sounds absolutely charming!

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

It's adorable. And the sun and warm weather helps too. ;-)

[yearning.livejournal.com]

you should write a little alternative guide to London and other places you've been to! with photos etc.

I want to go there with you next time I visit, ok?

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Ok, definitely! I think you'd also like the lighthouse in Limehouse. It has a 1000-year-old song by Brian Eno which is being created by influences of the river and radio communications (if I remember correctly.) And right beside it is a 50s style American dinner that was transposed from America here (!?)