Monet exhibition

Posted on October 22, 2023 by myeye1

I went to a Monet art exhibition in London. A lot of new exhibitions on artists work are ‘immersive‘ meaning that the art is projected onto huge walls where you can sit and take in the art, with music playing while you watch.

The Monet exhibition was also immersive but it did have sections where there were props, like this bridge over a lily pond, a reflection of one of his most famous art works.

In the main room, there were lots of seats that you could take to enjoy the art as they were shown. I liked how the artworks were collated together to show themes.

Some of Monet’s most famous artwork pieces were shown and it was nice to be able to see some of the greater details.

The show lasts about 20 minutes and includes some animation to help bring the art to life. It wasn’t busy when I went so it was calming just to sit and enjoy the art. At the end there was a VR section you pay for and a place for kids to colour in some of Monet’s art.

I’d recommend a visit but personally I enjoy exhibitions that allow me to learn about the artists and their influences and that make me think about what they are trying to portray.

York

Posted on September 27, 2023 by myeye1

I visited the city of York for the day. York is one of the oldest cities in the country and is known for it’s cathedral.

We looked around the shops and the markets in an area called The Shambles – one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. It has cobbled streets and was very busy. I came across the York Chocolate shop where a well known brand started up. And yes I did buy some.

We then visited the Cathedral. We didn’t go inside but the exterior was quite beautiful.

Next we decided to take a boat ride down the River Ouse. The weather was lovely and we took in the nature and the sights. The emblems on this bridge caught my notice.

After stopping for a quick lunch we finished the day with what I thought was my favourite part of York – the city wall walk. Walls were erected around a city to protect it and the ones that remain intact around York are longer than any other city in England. We found a set of steps and made our way along the wall.

Some wall sections ended quickly, others went on for much longer. It was quite interesting to see the old stone walls were right above modern day houses and gardens with some residents waving hello as we walked by.

We spent an hour or so walking and then made our way back to the car and home. The whole walk takes about 2 hours and I’d like to do it again in full one day
I enjoyed my visit to York but there’s lots more to do and explore and I hope I can come back one day to do just that.

Eid-ul-Adha 2023/1444

Posted on June 29, 2023 by myeye1

Eid Mubarak everyone. Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum (May Allah accept it from you and us).

Happy Eid to all to Muslims around the world who are celebrating Eid-al-Adha which coincides with the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and honours Abraham’s promise to God. In these blessed days may all pilgrims’ prayers and ours be accepted.

This beautiful Islamic inspired cube radiating light is at Kew Gardens.

Eid-al-Fitr 2023/1444: Eid Mubarak

Posted on April 22, 2023 by myeye1

Eid Mubarak to Muslims around the world. Ramadan as always has passed by faster than imagined, with the days shorter and cooler than they have been in recent years. I pray that Allah accepts our fasts and prayers and showers us with his mercy and blessings. I hope everyone has a day full of happiness and are able to spend time with family and friends. Let us also remember and pray for all those who continue to face difficulties around the world, may they find peace and ease soon.

Ramadan lights

Posted on April 19, 2023 by myeye1

London, for the first time, has put up Ramadan lights to celebrate the holy month. I was able to go and see them near Piccadilly Circus, and in the daytime the lanterns, stars and moons shimmered and sparkled. I wasn’t able to stay until dark when they light up but I was delighted to see these wonderful lights celebrate a special month in a city as great as mine.

Ramadan Mubarak 2023/1444

Posted on March 23, 2023 by myeye1

The month of Ramadan has started today for Muslims around the world. We fast from sunrise to sunset and this year the days are shorter and cooler than last. I pray that we can make the most of these special days and that this month is a beneficial one for us all. I pray that we are forgiven of our sins, are able to re-connect with God, find peace and receive blessings. I especially pray that people that are in hardship find ease and that we can all be generous in giving whatever we can. Ramadan Mubarak.

Winter Lights 2023

Posted on February 12, 2023 by myeye1

With the winter days and nights being cold and dark there’s usually not a lot of motivation to do anything or go anywhere. To help with that Canary Wharf in London decided to hold a Winter Lights event, after a 2 years break due to the pandemic. I always enjoy art events so my sister and I decided to go take a look.

It was cold up so we wrapped up and went around to each of the 22 light installations. Some were really busy and it took us a couple of hours to get around to them all, but here are some of the ones I liked best.

My favourite was probably this giant floating Earth in the middle of water. I loved how it lit up in the dark.

I also really liked the glass elephants and the spinning top which reflected pretty lights around the room as it spun.

The coloured lights in the water creating shapes in the fog was fun to watch and the colourful benches were back too, always proving popular.

My sister and I enjoyed this event and it was a nice, free, family event that brought a bit of colour and creativity to winter.

Giant bubbles

Posted on January 27, 2023 by myeye1

Giant bubbles have appeared outside one of London’s famous landmarks – the Leadenhall building, also known as The Cheesegrater. The bubbles are an art piece called ‘Evanescent’ by design studio Atelier Sisu. The idea behind them is to entice people back into the city after the last few years and appeal to our childlike wonder and universal playfulness.

These bubble installations have been spotted in other major cities around the world too and I thought they were a lovely idea and were a pleasure to see.

Goodbye 2022

Posted on December 31, 2022 by myeye1

Today is the last day of 2022. Reflecting back across the year, I didn’t have any grand plans at the start but it feels like it’s been an eventful one. I was finally able to travel abroad after a very long time and I managed to gain some new qualifications after a lot of hard work. There was also an addition to the family in my new little nephew. I hope the year was a fulfilling one for all of you, whatever you did.

Here are some of my favourite photos from the year gone by and as we move into 2023, I hope it’s a year full of good health and happiness, and everything we all want it to be. Happy New Year.

Istanbul – part 3

Posted on December 27, 2022 by myeye1

I did some shopping in Istanbul (of course), starting with a market in the area of Eminonu. It was a market that locals shop at so my sisters and I were hoping for some good bargains. We looked around and bought backlava, some oud in pretty colourful bottles and turkish delight.

There was lots to see, great smells and some lovely looking fresh produce. It took us a while to look around and finally make our way to the famous Grand Bazaar.

The Grand Bazaar was pretty touristy and really busy. We looked around but I didn’t find anything particularly appealing. There were lots of shops selling counterfeit designer bags and clothes and others selling jewellery and food. I only ended up buying some sweets for myself before heading for lunch at the famous Nusr-et.

After lunch we went to nearby Nuruosmaniye Mosque to pray. Afterwards we found a really steep narrow staircase to one side and putting in the effort and courage to climb the small uneven steps, we found ourselves on the top tier of the mosque. The view was beautiful and worth the effort.

I absolutely loved the beautifully detailed designs and colours of the tiles. And the mosque has high ceilings and was really spacious and light. We sat for a while taking in the view and soaking up the atmosphere.

At the end of our Istanbul trip we visited the Basilica Cistern, a place I was keen to see (even more since it was in the film Inferno). The cistern was built in the 6th century and the roof is supported by 336 marble columns. The space was lit up with atmospheric lighting and in modern time includes some art pieces too.

The walkways wound through the columns and artworks and it was cool and quiet. I really enjoyed seeing how well kept it all was and how the light created some stunning reflections.

We then decided to get something to eat and look at a few more shops. We were accompanied by one of the many cats we saw on the streets that are very tame and look well looked after.

I really enjoyed my trip to Istanbul, we saw lots but there was still so much to see that we didn’t have time for. The food was delicious, the people friendly and welcoming and the history unlike any other. I really hope that I can come back one day and continue to learn about this special city and experience more of what it has to offer.