Tracey Emin's bed - Tate Modern, Liverpool

One of our plans when visiting Liverpool was to go to the Tate Modern where we knew that Tracey Emin's bed was on public display.

It has to be seen to be believed.

To be honest as I walked in to the room I mused as to whether it was art but once I came upon it I didn't have to consider that anymore.

It is art and more....

It evoked some serious feelings within me. It repulsed me and I don't think I will ever forget how I felt as I surveyed the scene. It is said to be controversial and a conversation starter and boy have I not stopped thinking about it and talking about it.....

Up close it is quite vile with stains on the covers and tissues and rubbish strewn around the bed.

I am so glad to have seen this installation.....it is quite possibly one of the most famous modern art pieces in my life time.

The Beatles Story

Liverpool is the home of The Beatles so we planned to go to a few Beatles sites but in particular The Cavern Club.

On our second day, we went to The Beatles Story which is a Beatles museum that tells the story of how the fab 4 met and how they became the biggest band in the world.

Pictured above is the club that they performed in while in Germany. Below is a recreation of the entrance to the original Cavern Club.

The original Cavern was on Mathew Street and the new one was built with many of the bricks from the old one.

Here is the recreation of the stage in The Cavern Club.  It's tiny!

And here is a video of The Beatles performing in The Cavern Club.

On our last day we went down to Mathew Street and went down the steps in to The Cavern where we were greeted with a performer and a guitar singing Beatles songs. We spent a little time there, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the music. It was one of the highlights of the trip for me!!

Novotel Hotel, Hanover Street, Liverpool

I arrived back yesterdat from a city break to Liverpool for 3 days after the bank holiday.

We stayed in a super hotel called Novotel in a great location on Hanover Street near Liverpool One.

Our room was on the 10th floor and we had a lovely view of Albert Dock. However, what really impressed me about this hotel was the superb buffet breakfast. It was laid out really nicely and a lot of space was given over to it.

We had a fry every morning and it really set us up for the day!

Along with a selection of pastries and bread there was cheeses, cold meats and yoghurt.  The hot food consisted of rashers,sausages, black pudding, hash browns and beans along with mushrooms and eggs both scrambled and fried.

Halloween Bank Holiday in Dublin

It's incredibly mild here in Dublin and there is loads going on this weekend.

On Friday night Amy and I dressed up as Zombie Marie Antoinette's which was fun. I sent this photo to Ciaran and he was freaked by it.....Zombie Twins can do that!!

Then on Saturday we met up with Alice for brunch in Marks & Spencer.

The food choices in M&S are very carb heavy so there is not a whole lot of options. There was a deal of €3.50 for a coffee and a scone so I chose that. Along with an OJ it was a nice little brekkie.

After brunch, Amy and I called in to see Ciaran in The Kemp Gallery. He had left already but we took a wander around the gallery and enjoyed his work.

After getting an extra hour in bed with the clock change, Sunday started with breakfast in The Greenery on Lennox Street.  We sat out because we had Bones with us and our friend had her dog. I ordered the quesadilla which were very good!

Can you believe we sat out in October in Dublin?! That's how mild it is!!

Life is short....

"Life is short. Buy the damn bicycle!"

I like this sign!  It's in the window of a bike shop in Swords across from a coffee shop where I go for my morning coffee.

It's a good bike shop. I bought a lock for my younger sister's bike and got great advice from one of the assistants.  He said all locks can be broken but when you spend more on a lock you are buying time. So I bought her a fairly expensive one!

When I got home from work today I went up to the studio and gave it a good tidy up. There was a fair amount to clear out. Ciaran has been painting in this room so he needs lots of space.

I had two sewing machines out, even though I only use one. So I cleared away the one that I don't use - which is the 1960's one that I blogged about here.  I feel good about having cleared this room......Clear space, clear head.....and all that.

Christmas is coming!

Christmas is coming......and the Christmas stock has arrived in Dunnes Stores.

I've been wondering whether I should put up a tree this year as we are going away on Christmas Eve. Browsing through these decorations made me think that I should put my tree up. I guess I will....

If I do put a tree up I will probably put it up very early so as to enjoy it for as long as possible :-)

I always enjoy putting it up every year while watching The Late Late Toy Show and partaking in a little Baileys. I reckon it's a good idea to continue with this tradition!

What I've been up too....

I haven't blogged in ages......apologies to all my readers.

Last weekend was Open House in Dublin.  We didn't plan to visit any buildings as Ciaran was busy in The Kemp Gallery showing his exhibition on Saturday.  However, when he finished up, we walked to Temple Bar to buy spray paint. On our way we passed the Central Bank and saw the Open House banners. We got chatting to the volunteers on the door and they advised we should try add our names to tour list.  We got on a list and were told to come back in an hour. We went off bought the paint and then popped in to the Temple Bar Gallery where we got to tour that building as a part of Open House. Then it was back to the Central Bank where I was wowed by the Sam Stephenson designed building. 

It was so great to get inside this building. The Central Bank is leaving it soon to go to a new building on the docks.  So who knows what will happen to the building when they leave.

This Saturday, I was in Skerries Mills.  This place is gorgeous and there was a lovely market on.  If you ever get a chance to visit, do!

On Sunday morning, we went for a walk with the dog along the sea front in Dun Laoghaire.  It was fairly windy but mild enough, so pleasant generally. 

Then later on Sunday  we went to see the new Jack Reacher film after having a lunchtime pizza in Manifesto in Rathmines. The reviews have been dire for this film but I enjoyed it.  It was exactly what I expected from a Tom Cruise action movie.  And Tom Cruise looks great for his 54 years!



In other exciting news, I booked a little trip to Liverpool with my twin sister after the bank holiday.  We are flying with Aer Lingus and staying in the centre of the city.  We plan on visiting The Cavern and The Beatles Story.  Should be fun!