Late at the Museum

"The best things in life are free."
I would say that's debatable, but there are lots of cool things you can do for free in London. One of the best things is that most museums and galleries are free. I love going for a stroll through the National Gallery on a Sunday afternoon. But on the downside, it's usually packed with families and tourists. I went once to the Natural History Museum on a Sunday afternoon and was queuing in the rain for almost 45 minutes. Hence, a better option are the "Late" events.

Every Thursday and Friday until 9pm, you can enjoy art, music, drinks, workshops, and tours at the National Portrait Gallery. I have attended some really interesting tours so far. For example, "Famous executions" where I learnt that Mary, Queen of the Scots was wearing a wig, or "Famous Affairs" where I found out that a lot of the portrayed people were having an affair with a person displayed in the same room.
To find out what's on next Thursday and Friday, visit: http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/lateshift/late_shift_home.php

However, I have never managed to attend a drawing workshop at the National Portrait Gallery. Last Friday, though, I went to a fashion workshop at my favourite museum, the V&A. On the last Friday in every month, they have live performances (for example mime artists), cutting-edge fashion (we saw some girls with really crazy make-up), debates, one-off displays and installations, special guests, and of course a bar and food, and some guest DJs. Every month there is also a different theme. This month's was "David Bowie is making a Scene". Making a scene...of course there had to be Paparazzi asking people to strike a pose:

The best part was the fashion workshop, though. Inspired by David Bowie's wardrobe, we created our own outfits. Such a fun and relaxing thing to do on a Friday night and here is the result. Ta-da! 

To find out what's going on next month, check: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/f/friday-late/

If you are less interested in fashion and famous people, maybe the Lates at the Science Museum is the place to be for you every last Wednesday of the month: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/events/events_for_adults/Lates.aspx
Have a look at what's going on there:

But don't stay overnight at the museum, you know what happened to Ben Stiller...

Smiles on the Underground

This morning I was on the tube. I was standing right at the door. The train stopped and a guy got on and he SMILED at me. That's right. London underground, early morning and someone smiled at me. I got so confused that I kept staring awkwardly at the floor for the rest of my journey.

My English friends always tell me: "Don't stare at people on the tube!" But what else is there to do? Sometimes I don't have a book with me or I just follow an interesting conversation and like to watch the people having this conversation. Plus, there are always so many colourful figures on the train that you have to stare at them. I know it's not polite, but I can't help it..I'm a starer!

But smiling? That's a different level. Especially since it wasn't like a mutual comprehension smile. You know like "Have you seen this super cute puppy over there?" - "Yes, I have." *Smiling*. No, it was more like: "Good morning, I hope you are well." 

It probably would have been less awkward, if I saw him every day getting on at that particular station. Then at some point I would say you can start noticing people and smiling at them. But until then you ignore their existence. He must be new in town!

Weather Talk

It's mid of April now and still wintry in the UK. The other day I tweeted: "I take back everything I said about spring is near. It's snowing again." and had so many retweets and replies as never before. On my flight yesterday the pilot mentioned the rumour that it's supposed to get warmer this weekend and added: "I believe it when I see it!"

Well, the English like to talk about the weather. Dr Samuel Johnson, an English writer of the 18th century, already said 250 years ago:
"It is commonly observed, that when two Englishmen meet, their first talk is of the weather; they are in haste to tell each other, what each must already know, that it is hot or cold, bright or cloudy, windy or calm."
Of course, no one is actually interested in the weather itself. The weather talk is more of a ritual greeting, conversation-starter or default filler. Almost every small talk situation starts with a comment on the weather.

Therefore, I was quite shocked when an American guy from L.A. told me recently that they never talk about the weather. I mean it does make sense, since it's always sunny and warm in California:

But imagine you just met someone and you don't really know what to talk about, you start feeling really awkward because of this ongoing silence, but you don't wanna start a conversation about politics or personal matters either. So, seriously Californian people, how do you strike up a conversation and socially bond?