On London

When I booked this trip, I had a minor concern that the London part of it (all of 5 days) would actually be a bit too much - I seen and done the place and I'm being excessive... As usual however, I am once again enthralled by the city and the ability to move around it. There's still a lot more for me to see for many many trips to come. It's easy to forget how good friends can be - the tyranny of distance (and some taking for granted with the ease of Facebook type communications) means we can be lax and lazy in our ongoing relationships. But nothing beats the real thing, and standing outside the Welly having pints in the sunshine with these people is something I cannot compare to anything else. Tonight is my last night in London, and I look forward to doing it once more. Greenwich Obervatory, Tate Modern and Britain At War museum were all great. My best mate from school, the now up-and-coming hot artist of the London scene (see www.frankkiely.com) is like old family, and his membership of the Tate got me into the stunning Joan Miro exhibition for free :) I've been to Barcelona TWICE and tried to go to the museum there and on both occasions it was closed! Then lunch in the members cafe in the sunshine. Wonderful. Upon going back to his studio (just at Bankside Gallery on the Thames) I spotted a great picture print he recently exhibited of the Oval suburb of London, which just happens to be where I am staying in my friends house whilst visiting the city. On a whim I bought it there and then (at mates rates of course which is just as well as the print run run of only 50 has nearly all sold at 500 GBP a pop!) and will give it to my friend as a thank you. I hope he likes it! Tomorrow, onto Reykjavik and I'm hoping this whole Iceland sojourn shebang will be worthwhile. It's a place I have ALWAYS wanted to visit since I was a little boy - I think everyone has a few places they always wanted to see and this was it for me - no idea why. I have downloaded a fantastic tourist app on my phone as my guide, and despite the fact Reykjavik Pride is on at the same time, there are far too many other things I want to see and do before I leave on 48 short hours later. I've been blessed with amazing weather since I've been away thus far - here's hoping it may continue! Stay calm and carry on...