Museums: Tate Modern and Victoria and Albert

Tate Modern

     Like all public museums, the Tate Modern is open to everyone free of charge. I recommend going on a cold and rainy day if you want to get out of the flat but don't want to spend money. The museum houses international modern and contemporary art that ranges from Monet and Picasso to Andy Warhol and some VERY interesting exhibits. There are some different pieces that make you question why this is considered art but there truly is something for everyone. My favorite piece was Water-Lilies by Monet and Picasso's sketches that he drew close to the end of his life. Personally, I'm not a big modern art fan because most of the time I don't understand what social problem the artist is commenting on. And for some of these pieces you truly have to think outside of the box, like the painting below.

Brooke, Lexi and I at an exhibit

     After you finish wandering through all of the exhibits, you've probably worked up an appetite. Head to the seventh floor for lunch or dinner with a spectacular view of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge (or the Harry Potter Bridge for our group). The food is reasonably priced and exceptionally good if looking out at the view isn't enough. Even if you don't get a table right next to the window, the restaurant itself is a sight to see with its modern decor. And if you're not hungry after looking at the exhibits, you can still enjoy the view at the bar, which has mulled wine during the winter months (my favorite!). 

Victoria and Albert Museum
 Located near Harrods, the Victoria and Albert Museum is known as the world's greatest museum of art and design. Almost each culture is represented in its many exhibits including furniture, fashion, sculptures and carpets. It also has exhibits of past British courts, including Henry VII, Elizabeth I and Victoria I. The highlights for me were the courtiers' clothes!! Clothing just isn't the same as it was before...hand-made, eloquently embroidered with pearls and jewels...Oh and the exhibit of old keys and locks! I couldn't imagine carrying around a ring of keys weighing more than five pounds but I guess it had to be done!! Each key is extremely unique. Some had the family's initials embedded in the design of the key itself along with a fancy handle. Unfortunately, Rebecca and I went with only an hour to spare so we had to rush through the museum. But in all honesty that was all we really needed to at least see all the exhibits and read the sections that were most interesting to us, like the one below.

And if you're feeling a bit peckish and want to go for a stroll, head to Harrods for a pastry. Expensive, yes, but soooo delicious!!! Or if you're not feeling the hustle bustle store, take a stroll in Hyde Park. It's not too far and absolutely gorgeous.