Picnic spots - Miss Alice

Question of the week: Where would you recommend for a good picnic spot?

"Thinking of spots close by the London Centre, I'd say St James' Square, the other side of Haymarket (which is technically private, but usually open at lunchtimes), for a lovely leafy formal garden watched over by an impressive statue, or St Paul's Church, Covent Garden. Their churchyard is an oasis of peace in a really busy part of the city. Both spots should offer some good people-watching, as well as the routes to both taking you past any number of sandwich places and deli's if you didn't bring your picnic ingredients from home!"- Miss Alice

* Photo by elorenzini, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Picnic spots - Christina

Question of the week: At the risk of jinxing the weather, where would you recommend for a good picnic spot?

"Primrose Hill at Regent’s Park is a haven for anyone willing to embrace relaxation without limitations! As you ascend the smooth hill of Primrose, your breath is shortened while you endure the steep climb only to remain breathless once you reach the top. The view of London from the green, hilly corner of Primrose Hill is a spectacle; a visual feast.

The trees spotted across the hill offer sweet relief from the hot sunshine, while their leaves engage in a synchronized dance to the gentle sway of the breeze. The bustling city, as viewed from the top, appears like a painting, suspended there for observation as you bathe in pure relaxation! Primrose Hill is the ultimate picnic spot!"- Christina

* Photo by Butterfly1172, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Looking forward to in London - Christina

Question of the week: What London thing or things are you looking forward to most over the next few weeks?

"I am mostly looking forward to taking advantage of the London weather at this time of year! It seems as though all gardens and parks are filled with people who have an extra bounce in their step, a wider smile on their face, and a lighter load of clothing to wear!"- Christina

* Photo by mnadi, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Looking forward to in London - Miss Alice

Question of the week: What London thing or things are you looking forward to most over the next few weeks?

"I'm a dance fan, as well as a London-lover, so there are two summer events I'm really looking forward to at the end of June: Greenwich and Docklands International Festival (24 June – 2 July 2011 ) and the City of London festival (26 June - 12 August)". Both give me the chance to see a wide range of world-class dancers and performers, for free, against a backdrop of London's streets and sky scrapers - highly recommended.

I'm also looking forwards to trying out the London Green Fair (June 4th and 5th), which looks like it will be a lot of fun. Also, Walk London's 'Spring into Summer' this weekend: the guided walks I've done with them before have always been really interesting, so I'm hoping to catch a couple more.

And then there's the Sci Fi exhibition at the British Library, and I need to squeeze in a trip to the British Museum's Afghanistan exhibition before it closes, and ... so many things!" - Miss Alice

* Photo by me, showing Avent Garde Dance Co performing 'The Silver Tree' at last year's Greenwich and Docklands International Festival

Welcome 2011 Summer Program students!

The blog proper will be back on Monday, but we just wanted to say hi to the students arriving in London today!