Archive for October, 2005
Finding ourselves on Bankside on a quest for an amplifier (don’t ask) we paid a visit to the Tate to check out the new installation in the turbine hall. Rachel Whiteread has installed untold thousands of polythene casts of the insides of cardboard boxes, arranged neatly, in piles and in mountains.
Reminds me of working in the supermarket warehouse that I spent the best years of my late teens. I read the information, understood her motivation, but came to the same conclusion that I reach when considering most modern art. It looks cool, and it’s certainly a unique experience, but the deep and meaningful aspect just washes over me. Maybe I’m shallow. Maybe I’m ignorant. But I can’t help feeling all the blurb is just a way to justify filling a huge room with boxes.
October 16th, 2005
So de-construct are four years old. Doesn’t seem like five minutes since Deepend went tits up. Any gathering attended by ex-Deependers is always interesting, as there’s always someone to talk to who you haven’t seen for ages. I’m notoriously bad at keeping in touch with people, which usually means bumping into people I feel that I know really well, but who I haven’t spoken to for 6 months at a time.
Hence Gabes’ startled expression above.
October 14th, 2005
My fears were unfounded, and the balloon flight passed without death.
It was in fact one of the most surreal and most serene experiences of my life. We were lucky that we managed to book our flight for the clearest day of the year, combined with the best showing of low-lying Kent mist the pilot had seen. Apart from the odd roar from the burners to keep us at the 4,000 foot cruising height, and the odd dog protecting its owners property by barking into the sky, we were surrounded by complete silence for the duration of our flight.
We got to float around for an hour rather than the usual 45 minutes thanks to the almost complete lack of wind, and our pilot’s desire to land in a field easy for the retrieval team to collect us. The most unexpectedly soft landing was followed by the workout of my life trying to pull the balloon to the ground then folding it up into its bag. Then Kent-produced champagne and Pringles followed.
I want to do it again already and I recommend it to anyone. Not cheap obviously, but worth every penny.
You can see the full set of pics on my Flickr site.
A quick tour of the Hop Farm filled an hour or so before we headed off to West Malling (near Maidstone) for lunch at The Swan, where I had one of the best meals I’ve had in years. The most amazingly tender pork belly, and a great bottle of Sancerre. Another recommended experience should you find yourself in the neighbourhood.
October 10th, 2005
Today I am mostly stressed about height. Off to float above Kent in a balloon-type contraption on Sunday. My fear of heights is not that pronounced, but hot air balloons just have a slightly flimsy look to them.
I am excited about it, but I get a twinge in my stomach when I think about looking over the edge of the basket to take photos. I may have to just look straight ahead. And drink all the champagne in one go.
Anyway, thought I’d share a picture of something that i have been walking under for the last 6 months on my way to work, but never noticed:
October 7th, 2005
