The Snow is Gone. Time to Play.
Top 5 things to do this week:
1. National Hugging Day: Give a Hug 2. The Quiet Shop/Silence Room 3. Tim Walker/Manet: Portraying Life 4. Barre at the Bar 5. Django Unchained/Les Miserables
It’s no surprise that you’ve probably spent much of your planned-to-be-ambitious weekend snowed in and sipping several hot cups of coco whilst curled up under blankets. The weekend’s usual tendency to win the race came to a halt, as like the rabbit, its wildly thought adventures failed. We’ve hit the January blues, that space of time between Christmas and Valentine’s, known to be the most miserable of all. But we’ve come to the rescue with some remedies to wipe away that frown, and surely turn it upside down.
Strip away that physical contact fear, and trigger those smile muscles, as National Hugging Day (January 21st) comes into play. Be prepared for a stampede of glittery hugging people or be part of it yourself. But if your hugging willingness exceeds your reluctance then Hugless Douglas can be found at various locations in London.
We understand at the end of the day you may not fancy being flustered with a bunch of pouncing sparkly people. So, we suggest you try out The Quiet Shop and Silence Room at Selfridges - a previous concept delivered by Harry Gordon Selfridge in 1909. The world is becoming a noisier place, so let’s get some Headspace. The snow may have been pretty at first, but now it can’t help but feel a tad daunting. Could there be the need for visual stimulation again? If so, it’s worth taking advantage of the last few days of Tim Walker’s exhibition at the Somerset House. Alternatively, take a few strokes towards Impressionism, with Manet’s ‘Portraying Life’ series at the Royal Academy. On the other hand, London has succumbed to leveraging its state of difference. Step out of your comfort zone, as Kensal Green’s Paradise pub offers ‘A Class and a Glass’ a.k.a. Barre at the Bar. Of course, the idea of dancing and gulping down a glass is nothing new, but the thought of the refined ballet twiddling in this concoction can only swing a grin of amusement across one’s face.
Last but not least, if you’re looking to become more culturally fluent without the effort, end your week with a trip to the cinema. The fuss over Les Miserables and Django Unchained could not be mistaken.