the trek to the tate

Teenage Couple in Hudson Street N.Y.C 1963

While walking to the Tate Modern the other day, I realised that I hadn't thought through my grand plan. After about 30 minutes of walking, I started to ache all over and evaluated my physical and mental state. Having been in London for about a week, you would assume I would be over my jet-lag. Would you not? Well you would be mistaken.

Staying in a youth hostel had made this nearly impossible, as people tend to come and go in the night. On one particular night, I had gotten to bed at about 1.30 am, as no-one in my room was particularly tired. I then awoke at 4.30 am to a room-mate taking out an iPod from the security cage directly under my head. After that, I could not get another wink of sleep, the sun had begun to rise and the room was flooded with light. Don't get me started on the people who left at 12am and returned at 4am... there have been a few restless nights.

I have also been dealing with a rather odd injury... something (I say something because I can't see what) on the roof of my mouth has been hurting every time I eat. I have therefore been restricted to soft foods and my diet has consisted of soggy cornflakes and ice-cream. On top of lack of sleep and nutrients, I had a sore throat and the beginnings of a sniffle and cough. (I'm starting to sound like a complainer). But the point I am trying to make is that I had to take two breaks on my walk as I felt physically ill. But I got there... and while I was tempted to just go home, I found a lovely exhibition of works by Diane Arbus. While I wondered trough a few more exhibitions, this one stuck with me as her subjects are so intriguing.

If you get a chance have a look-see at the Tate Modern, it appears that you have a year until she will no longer be showing, so take your time.  

(picture via Audart Gallery)