I just found out, so I thought I’d spread it.

For those who know him, or don’t, this man really knows how to write.

I came across him approximately 16 years ago when I saw his fifth book, Cloudstreet adapted for stage and have been hooked ever since.

His plots are compelling, descriptions poetic and characters fabulous.

If you haven’t tried him yet – maybe start with Dirt Music or Cloudstreet. 

You’ll get your first fix and then your addicted.

So, he’s coming to Oxford to talk about his newest novel – Eyrie
Monday, 19 May @ 7.00pm.

Blackwell’s are hosting, it’s only 3 tiny pounds, so rush off and buy tickets.

Also note: it might be noisy, as I’ll be the screaming/swooning woman in the front row and my husband will be the one chanting throughout.

Yip, Yip, Yipee!

30 Hudson Street

It’s with maximum relief that I declare ‘The search is over!’

Yes, it took near on 42 years to find it, however now it has been identified and experienced.

Brushstroke in Tribeca, New York City, you did it. Not only did you provide me with the Best Restaurant Experience of My Life, you made me see why it was worth the wait.

Also a big call-out to Mr Wallpaper Guide for alerting me to the fact, your ‘What to do if you have only 24hrs in NYC’ advice, never failed to impress.

To the restaurant then…

It’s Japanese (so immediately you know it’s going to be better than great) and if attended on a weekend (which we did), you can choose from one of their several options, all based on a Taster Menu style – either six course, eight courses etc.

We opted for a six course and started with Cocktails.

I shan’t provide you with a blow by blow description, however look at these images and see how long it takes for you to call in sick, take that flight and immerse yourself in the Ultimate.

As you have already detected, it not just the food that’s fantastic, it’s that handmade radish candle and the cherry blossom. It’s the ceramics.

It’s the out-of-this-world service. It’s your fellow diners. It’s the tastefully appointed restaurant. It’s that little creature sitting under my husband’s plate.

It was my pudding.

Everything worked and was thoroughly enjoyed.

New York City

Regeneration Projects don’t get any better than this.

Picture – decommissioned above ground railway tracks; light planting (almost Japanese in appearance); cool concrete and wood benches; a pathway occasionally occupied by coffee carts and ice-cream vendors; healthy looking joggers; not too many other wanderers; a unique view of approximately 1 mile of NYC starting in the Meatpacking district and heading up towards Midtown (though staying west); on a clear and blue skied day – now go – for this is the ideal way to launch your first morning in a city that deserves little sleep and lots of dedication to having the time of your life.

Imaged sourced at http://www.thehighline.org

Wallpaper guide takes credit for this choice of ours last Friday – for when I purchased their mini-manual approximately five months ago, I paid particular attention to their recommendations ‘if you only have 24hrs’ and am incredibly pleased I did, for doing as suggested, resulted in me securing the most exciting day of my life…however more detail on that later.

Image sourced at http://www.fun4kidsnyc.com

It’s open from 7.00am – 7.00pm daily

Image sourced at http://www.thehighline.org

Additionally, once visited you don’t stop thinking about it, raving about it and planning ways to finance another visit. Yes sadly, I’ve returned from my mini adventure and am now spending considerable time fantasying about purchasing a one bedroom apartment in West Village.

‘People Are Strange’
at the Lawrence Alken Gallery, London

Knowing Mr Noah Taylor is a pretty terrific actor I was all fired up to discover what kind of a painter he’d be post a little alert in the Evening Standard – advertising his current show, in London.

Thus threw the car into hyper-drive and headed straight towards Covent Garden to inspect.

And…happily found to my severe liking approximately 50 black and white paintings for me (and you), to get your eyes and head into. Some made me laugh (I’m not too sure if that was the intention, however art is very personal isn’t it?) and others, made me feel a little upset for the person in the noose. Although only for a moment…and now look down as this is an example of one of the treats you will find.

Furthermore…I found many paintings that should post 5 April, come and live with me, however sadly have found other parents already.

Additionally, all the works on display are his and the gallery assistant kindly chatted us through different aspect of his art without me feeling like ‘But I don’t understand’. So, if you make the decision to go – you definitely won’t be intimidated – or have to pay entry – rather just dawdle through and enjoy at your own pace.

It’s a concise and entertaining show.

Opening times: 11.00- 7.00pm until 5 April and for further details head to: http://www.lawrencealkingallery.com
(and please note, above image sourced from this web address as well)

At the National Portrait Gallery

I couldn’t have been more excited by the time I purchased the tickets, for on route to this display of photographic fabulousness, we first spotted Robert Webb (whom gave my husband that Jeremy shrug expression) and then four minutes later a broad grinning Stephen Mangan hit the pavement in front. Not sick, but spinning in happiness I was so ready to take in the star-studded compositions and super talent of Mr David Bailey.

It’s hard to decide which was my favourite theme/focus out of the twelve rooms, for all areas have been assembled wisely to reflect not only the breadth and contrast in his work but also extent – compiled during (and just over) the past 50 years.

I can honestly say – I can’t see how anyone could be disappointed with this show. It’s interesting; informative; the subjects beautifully captured; and the curator (if that’s the person responsible for organising the layout), maximised and significantly improved that one hour of my life.

Reflecting personally on what’s on display, has multiplied that one hour of exploration ten-fold. So, in the interest of hooking you further and most probably leading you to amend your plans for the coming weekend, read on.

Look out for (I really had to cut this – as my initial list ran to over 25):
• Jack Nicholson (1984) – the line across his forehead, the pores in this nose and the bubble between two teeth.
• Noel Gallagher (2008) – Darkness over his left brow
• Billy Wilder (1989) – His claw-like hands
• Queen (plural) 1985 – in their high-waisted palest blue jeans
• Malcolm Muggeridge (1968) – mid word, off centre, up stage
• Desmond Tutu (2011) – sparkling eyes and very alive (though I know he’s not dead)
• John Galliano (2001) – pointing at you (yes you – though not you)
• Jerry Hall and Helmut Lang (1983) in colour – background James Bond Miami Hotel look
• Grayson Perry positioned next to Molly Parkin and Zandra Rhodes
• Tom Ford (2006) – not only delicious but the colour/texture of his scarf is exquisitely captured
• Abbey Lee Kershaw (2010) – with her ‘fantastic fur’ (my husband’s comment not mine)
• A slightly creepy shot of David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve
• The Catherine Bailey Room
• And in the Wolfson Gallery– Terence Stamp, five along on the left hand wall as you enter
The exhibition runs until 1 June 2014

At the Royal Academy

Currently showing in the Main Galleries is an exhibition featuring six very different architects from around the world.  Although diverse, something key unifies them – you get to explore the physical space their exhibits occupy. Hence, firstly the experience is very personal and secondly, you can engage completely with the materials and get a real sense of the functional and visual aspects at play.

The experience for me:
I’m not entirely sure if I approached it the right way, however it felt natural. For there’s something very attractive about heading into a truly old and beautiful building and discovering a truly new and beautiful building in gallery room 2 (Pezo von Ellrichshausen). And more excitedly still, this new building welcomes you to encounter it completely. By climbing up its spiral stairwells, touching its curved pine boards and popping your head over the side to spy all those others down below. You really start to feel that architecture is more than just function. It’s inspiring, thought-provoking, involved and happily not over…as I had 10 more rooms to go.

To room 3 (Eduardo Souto de Moura) – OK it’s sparse, however I think that’s the point, it’s also fabulous to head through an impressively crafted door frame twice.  And also, interesting to consider if the first (the one connected to the building) or the second (Mr Eduardo Souto de Moura contributions – first of two on display) feels more space making or less.

Oh and then there is Room 4 (Kengo Kuma), closely followed by another Room 4? (also Kengo Kuma), which put(s) the smelling senses on alert. Also your cheque book, as you urgently lay mind plans on how you’ll engage the architect to come over to yours and do the same. Whilst also marvelling at the quietness of the ‘pavilion’ even as Mr and Mrs Speak too LOUDLY chat about tripe.

Next stop Room 1 (how did that happen?) and a super interactive construction of plastic and the added bonus of audience participation decorative drinking straws (Diebedo Francis Kere). A particular winner if you are laden by toddlers or an over-enthusiastic male whom can fashion a colourful man from only three different slurping apparatus.

Room 3 – brings back Eduardo Souto de Moura – with his fabulous re-casting (maybe that’s the wrong term…) of the doorway, in very tactile cement that you can’t stop caressing.

Keep on walking – for there is Room 5 and another room 5 (Li Xiaogong) where you can wander, touch and discover in a maze of wood, pebbles and relaxation.

But wait there’s more – for there are the girls from Grafton Architects with Rooms 6 and another Room 6.  These ladies make introducing natural light to your space almost magically, for their design captures it and the mood changes dependent on the angle of the sun.

And finally, a bit that shouldn’t be missed…A mini-movie focusing on the architects, their designs and their inspirations. It brings the whole exhibition together.  You leave satisfied and pleased that the curator didn’t pop this at the beginning.

It’s on until 6 April 2014

‘What became of the Arab Spring?’ – A discussion by Professor Eugene Rogan
Norrington Room, Blackwell’s Oxford
3.00pm-4.00pm, 26 February 2014

Here’s something I’ve learnt. If you don’t quite get it and there’s someone available to explain it, take the opportunity.  So putting this advice to action this afternoon, I found a seat in one the best stocked bookshops around and listened to a very interesting, informative and understandable Professor of Modern History focus on several Arab uprisings, which commenced in 2011.

It’s time for honesty.

OK, I struggle with complex and less than complex concepts, however amazingly Professor Rogan was able to even get me thinking and moving down the road of understanding. Something my sporadic reading of the news on this specific topic up until now hadn’t managed to do.

Though the content at times was a little miserable, like the immediate future of Syria, it was important. This session really helped me get to grips with the current situation in Tunisia and has awakened a desire in me to learn more about the rest of the region.

Additionally, post the discussion phase it was question time and even this part of the programme proved a bounty of learning. So much so, I wished I’d taken in some secret recording equipment so I could play it all back and retain further.

Sadly, there is bad news: I missed the first two sessions of the series held yesterday and Monday.

Oh but there is also good news: There are two more to go.

Thursday, 27 February – Ian Golding, Professor of Globalisation and Development and Director of the Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford is due to discuss ‘Is Globalization Bad?’, tomorrow from 3.00pm

Friday, 28 February – Alexandra Harris, Lecturer in English at the University of Liverpool, will discuss ‘Studying English with Virginia Woolf’ from 3.00pm.

And double hooray, you don’t need a degree to attend, just turn up, it’s free.

Beijing

There is absolutely no point in being timid when you commit to dining here. Embrace it. Embrace every divine mouthful. And recognise as well, your chef shan’t be holding back on portion size.

So let’s look at the detail:

Although it’s not the law, it does make sense to consume duck in such an establishment. And for those who maybe a little concerned about their cardiovascular risk profile – these succulent, now none feathered birds, are referred to as ‘lean’ – so everyone wins.

Kindly, you are also served at the table, so you get the bonus of admiring your chef’s admirable skill with a super sharp carving knife; gauge a couple of great take home techniques; and feel very much part of the experience. Also, you’ll discover (or you might know already), that Peking Duck is served three ways. Firstly, the 13 year old’s favourite, just dip your moist warm meat into sugar and pop it into your drooling mouth. Secondly, wrap it up in a pancake with spring onion, hoisin sauce and cucumber (yeah I know that). And thirdly, place the duck inside a pastry shell and fill to overflowing with any condiment to hand.  Are you on your plane yet?

We perhaps went a step too far and ordered more. Not duck, but a fabulous spicy (though not hot) prawn dish, some really yummy greens and 20, I repeat 20, steamed assorted dim sum.  Yes, we could hardly move, it was just like a Greek Christmas spread, however it was pretty close to heaven in terms of a memorable dining experience.

Oh, and finish off your meal with a 70 minute trip to your closest foot massage centre (ours happily was two flights down in the same complex). You might snore, I did, but at least the staff will giggle politely. You also might wish to sleep in the marble corridor just outside, post your foot/food pleasure, as another chap was. Just let your body take control.

So to your closet restaurant… there are apparently three restaurants across Beijing.

We headed to:
5/F, Jinbao Dasha, Jinbao Jie
Dongcheng District

And the others are:
1-2/F, Nanxincang International Plaza, 22A Dongsishitiao
Dongcheng District

3 Tuanjiehu Beikou, Dongsanhuan Lu (southeast corner of Changhong Qiao)
Chaoyang District

18 January 201

Being ferociously impressed by Wolf Hall made me both excited and slightly anxious about returning to the home of Shakespeare and seeing Bring Up the Bodies last Saturday evening. I mean I was almost heaving with expectation. My only niggly fear was …will they be able to pull off another five star performance. By 7.45pm, I comfortably concluded – YES!

These actors not only convince and hold you close to the action; they also keep up the energy and pull off a peerless show. And although it was a tough race in regards to ‘who’s the best actor… who’s pulled off the best performance’, Mr Ben Miles (playing Thomas Cromwell) comes out my clear winner. He’s not only terrifically talented – he never stops – for he’s pretty much on stage throughout the whole performance, which when one does their sums, indicates that he was on stage for close to six hours on Saturday alone, with barely a break. Impressive.

Ahh, before I leave off one of my favourite pastimes – fawning over stage actors – I’d like to do a brief call-out to Mr Nathaniel Parker (Henry VIII), for he expertly delivers a Henry who’s not only tough, sometimes brutal and super sporty, but also occasionally innocent and unsure.  Something I’d never considered King Henry would have been.

So, the production as I understand follows the book quite closely (that same book that sits patiently waiting for me to lose myself in, post finishing with its sister). And the play leads perfectly on from where Wolf Hall left off.

The time-scale is shorter, covering the seven month period leading up to (and including) the head taking of Anne Boleyn and Henry’s move to wife number three please. The bodies pile up and you the audience start to think, there’s no stopping this drive to get what one wants. No one is safe, for one day you might be assisting with securing a favourable deal for the King and the next find yourself heading for temporary residence in the Tower, prior to your time for head rolling.  Scaring but riveting.

Additionally, you’re introduced to a household where being less than demure is the norm until your husband finds out then there’s hell to pay and your male friends really will. And a tremendous scene when Cromwell, Henry and Rafe Sadler are preparing the death warrants – it’s disturbing.

And I shan’t leave until I scream the merits/pleasures of the costumes – they are so, so, so incredible and worthy of their own Victoria & Albert exhibition.

Lastly, you couldn’t hold me back when it came to the audience apprehension time, I burst to stand and held my hands high and applauded. Theatre doesn’t get any better!

Some things in life are just made perfect, like this precious gold ensemble currently on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

(Imaged sourced http://www.seenheardknown.com)

Yes, Wednesday of this week was delightful, for I got to see this very piece along with approximately 85 others, being showcased in the capital until 16 February.

Actually delightful isn’t the right word, remarkable feels better, for there’s something for everyone.

Perhaps your thing’s denim – embellished denim; or you have a preference for loud chunky knitwear; even partial to wearing a slogan T-shirt. The range and diversity in the show is squeally good.

So, the display is over two floors and I was having an entertaining time downstairs, admiring the ladies evening wear with dangerously low cut back sections, singing along with ‘Your My Obsession’ and thinking to myself – ‘Well this is good and thankfully Joseph designs are different these days’, when I reached and climbed the stairs – and came face to face with my eleven to fifteen year old idea of HEAVEN.

Yes truly, I was eleven in 1983 and thought Culture Club were the most on-trend, fantastically gifted group, and though Adam Ant was more my sister’s fancy, the pirate outfits of that era can’t be challenged, rather should be championed…and some of those treasures were two feet in front my glazed over eyes.

Added to the spectacle – there were leather-studded Terence Trent Derby look outfits standing just metres from ‘High Camp’ and ‘New Romantic’ examples of sensational wearable design.

And added to the perfectness of it all, an area dedicated to film and photographs shot in the most popular nightclubs of the time; at catwalk shows and parties.

Sadly, I had to leave my eleven to fifteen year old idea of Heaven and never lived (or would have been admitted to a nightclub) in London during the high voltage make-up days of the 1980s.

Happily however, I’m inspired to make some exciting changes with regards to my wardrobe choices. I can see that tame is not where I need to be and a little adventurousness in fashion can be a great thing.