The V & A

Wednesday 3 January

This morning we returned to Brixton to have a look at Pop Brixton, a sort of pop up market made from shipping containers. We saw the shipping containers but couldn’t go in because they are still closed for the holidays. We did, however, return to the African fabric shop where Judy had seen some dhurries that she liked ... and she bought one, after searching at home for quite a few years. A great bit of shopping.

Popup Brixton

Lunch was at home, one of the rare occasions we’ve been here at this time. Then it was back in to London to visit museums. Rob went to the Science Museum and Judy and I visited the Victoria and Albert. I loved the display of fashion through the ages.

At least 2 metres wide.

Wasp waist

We looked at some huge Raphael cartoons made for tapestries in the Sistine Chapel. Judy continued on and I headed for the cafe and a cuppa, via more wonderful galleries. The V and A is huge and we only saw a tiny fraction of it. Well worth a return visit, this time with the map so you know where you are and what there is.

The singing Christmas tree

After our museums we caught the Tube to Holborn and one of Sian’s recommended pubs, the Princess Louise. Had a drink and stayed on for a meal. Then it was home on the 59 bus which stopped just around the corner from the pub. London’s public transport is amazing, especially the buses. I like them because you don’t have to walk through miles of passages and up and down stairs and escalators, and you can see where you’re going. The trains, especially the Tube, are pretty fantastic too.

Cosy inside

Somewhere along the way today I lost my beanie, the one I bought in Schwerin when we were so cold. So now I’ll have to make do with the dorky one I knitted, until I find another hat that doesn’t itch. Beanies with giant fluffy, furry pom-poms are all the go here this winter but I can’t see myself in one of those.