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| Nuala |
I met Nu around 1pm and we left for Sadler's Wells at Angel at 5pm.
Lovely food, a few glasses of white (served by a somewhat delightful teenage actress) and a proper catch up was the order of the day.....simple pleasures within an ancient friendship.I don't think I have talked so much and for so long for an absolute age
Almost (but not quite) chatted out , we caught in the tube to Sadler's Wells to watch an amazing display of modern dance. The Talent by the small Balletboyz dance company ( nine young male dancers with bodies like ironing boards) proved to be an exhilarating and for me, genuinely original experience of modern dance.
Today, we had a mooch around Syon House, bought some plants for Nu's garden ( she is a dunce and a real city girl when it comes to greenery) then caught the tube to Westfield where we had a more big chats , a Mexican lunch at .wahaca and then a trip to the cinema (I know it sounds weird going all that way to sit in a cinema-but we both love the shared experience of cinema going)
We saw the worthy but not quite compelling Oranges and Sunshine with Emily Watson and an ancient looking David Wenham (the buff one eyed spartan with huge boobs in 300) The movie told the story of how 1980s social worker Margaret Humphreys (Watson) unearthed the fact that thousands of Children had been shipped over to Australia from British care homes in the 1950s and 1960s . Many of these childrens' families had no idea this government initiative was carried out and although the intention of the exodus was indeed good many of these children were set up not with loving Australian families but faced lives of abuse in backward farming and religious institutions.
Like I said it was a worthy movie and Watson and the talented Hugo Weaving (who played one of the displaced "children") are always worth a trip to the movies. 7/10
Lovely day
You can't beat a day like that. Good friends, great meals and outstanding entertainment. I'll bet that dance group was amazing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good time John. It must have felt great being able to write a blog and not be responding to business enquiries...
ReplyDeleteRaz....
ReplyDeleteloving it....I was typing away like a real pro!
Sounds excellent. Was Jamie's Italian good? I'm never sure of Jamie's recipes as I've had a few disappointments and so have steered clear of his eateries but have also heard some good things.
ReplyDeletecraig the food was simple, not expensive and very good!
ReplyDeleteGees John...I thought they were throwing you in the air!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteyou'd need a lot more heafty fuckers to do that matey!
ReplyDeleteNothing like good food, old friends and great wine. I love Jamie Oliver's recipes.
ReplyDeleteNuala is a very attractive lady - nice company for such an excursion. Sounds like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteThose 'displaced children' from the UK (mostly) had it tough and many were left scarred for ever by their exprience. I think even ordinary Australians found it hard to accept how they were treated when it all came out. A truly 'uncomfortable' blot for a nation that prides iself on its charitable works. I rememebr growing up in that era believing we were doing something wonderful for them but was saddened to later learn that it turned out to be a disgraceful 'con'.
That's a movie I want to see, an interesting story. I remember reading Margaret Humphreys' book when it came out.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a good day! we all need days like that from time to time.
PS: that's not David Wenham in the photo, is it? If so he has changed somewhat. Maybe Hugo Weaving?
ReplyDeleteyes judith thats hugo!
ReplyDeleteYou big poser!! That does sound like a good couple of days though. I missed the Balletboyz in Sheffield. x
ReplyDeleteYour post made me smile when I read that line about going all that way to sit in a theater. For years, my best and I would talk for hours on the phone during the week. Then, on his weekly visits, he would come in, read his mail and the paper, a movie would be playing on the tv and we spoke very little. Same thing when I went to visit him. He would read and I would nap on his couch! LOL!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a FAB time!
Must be the day for visiting with old friends. I have been having a wonderful day also...the dance group looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteHello John! I'm so glad you enjoyed your day! I know that for me, it always recharges those inner batteries! Enjoy your weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad to hear you had such a wonderful visit, John. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't think anything of your travel to see a movie, because we do it whenever we want to see one.
An hour and a half by car one way to a theater with comfortable seating.
Have a wonderful weekend! ♥
Yes! The 'medicinal' powers of old friends! Now, that should do you for a while John. At least till summer. Would love to go to one of Jamie Oliver's restaurants......what did you have?
ReplyDeleteYou SO needed that John! I am glad you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteWere the Balletboyz your's or Nuala's idea?
Like you John I love a quick trip to the big smoke and then back to rural life. I tried out the new JO in Nottingham last week and was pleasantly surprised especially over the prices.
ReplyDeletewould recommend to all
Jane
Sounds like a great day out great friends food and entertainment
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