What: Crossbow shooting
Where: Silverlock Tenants Hall, near Surrey Quays overground
Who: LondonCrossBows
When: Sunday 2nd June at midday-2pm
With: Ann-Kathrin & Steve
Why: I really enjoy recurve archery and would like to try another discipline. Also, it's another skill that crops up in my favourite fantasy books!
Friday, 31 May 2013
Friday, 26 April 2013
Salt Grotto
I had bought this Salt Grotto experience from Groupon, because it sounded like an interesting and beneficial idea. It was situated at the Adalex Clinic near Hammersmith and advertises itself with the promise that:
I thought this might be especially useful since the relatively epic discovery of a dust allergy last year. I persuaded Emma to come along and try out the calming and soothing experience.
On arriving at the clinic, initial impressions were mixed. The place was a small, locked door next to a busy road, but inside everything was clean and suitably spa-like. There were a few other people there for the salt cave session, who clearly were regular customers, returning to reap the benefits of the cave.
After donning plastic booties, we were led into the cave. The floor was thick with salt, the walls encrusted in an uneven, subterranean manner and the ceiling was covered in (relatively unauthentic) stalactites. The corner had a sandpit full of salt, which I thought was quite a fun idea. (I assume this was for children, although there wasn't a minimum age...) We were cosseted into thickly-cushioned reclining chairs, wrapped in fleeces and then left to, very literally, breathe in the atmosphere.
Unfortunately the experience became a little strange after this. Half of the fake stalactites were "enhanced" with colour-changing LED lights, which twinkled away in a very unnatural way. The "salt water" waterfall in the corner made me very glad that I'd availed myself of the facilities before entering the grotto. And the chosen music seemed to be pan-pipe versions of 80s classics - think "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and "You Can't Hurry Love" but like they're from Last of the Mohicans.
(For the authentic experience, play THIS whilst reading the rest of the review...)
Now... I don't do yoga, I don't meditate, I get bored in a sauna. So perhaps I wasn't really the right person to invest 100% in the Salt Cave experience, since much of meditation must rely on a certain susceptibility and acceptance of this particular relaxation method. After only one hour, it is probably unsurprising that I noticed absolutely no health benefits, but I was so uninspired by the whole experience that I won't be returning to test the cumulative effect.
This is for you if...
If you ever need an hour to just get away and have some quite alone time away from the world. Much cheaper, however, would be locking yourself in the bathroom with a bubble bath, a bar of Galaxy (one of the large ones) and a glass of wine (one of the even larger ones!)
Recommendations
Take a book or go when you're sleepy and have a nap.
"Breathing in the delicate salt brine mist, full of microelements,
is hugely beneficial for your general health."
I thought this might be especially useful since the relatively epic discovery of a dust allergy last year. I persuaded Emma to come along and try out the calming and soothing experience.
On arriving at the clinic, initial impressions were mixed. The place was a small, locked door next to a busy road, but inside everything was clean and suitably spa-like. There were a few other people there for the salt cave session, who clearly were regular customers, returning to reap the benefits of the cave.
After donning plastic booties, we were led into the cave. The floor was thick with salt, the walls encrusted in an uneven, subterranean manner and the ceiling was covered in (relatively unauthentic) stalactites. The corner had a sandpit full of salt, which I thought was quite a fun idea. (I assume this was for children, although there wasn't a minimum age...) We were cosseted into thickly-cushioned reclining chairs, wrapped in fleeces and then left to, very literally, breathe in the atmosphere.
Unfortunately the experience became a little strange after this. Half of the fake stalactites were "enhanced" with colour-changing LED lights, which twinkled away in a very unnatural way. The "salt water" waterfall in the corner made me very glad that I'd availed myself of the facilities before entering the grotto. And the chosen music seemed to be pan-pipe versions of 80s classics - think "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and "You Can't Hurry Love" but like they're from Last of the Mohicans.
(For the authentic experience, play THIS whilst reading the rest of the review...)
Now... I don't do yoga, I don't meditate, I get bored in a sauna. So perhaps I wasn't really the right person to invest 100% in the Salt Cave experience, since much of meditation must rely on a certain susceptibility and acceptance of this particular relaxation method. After only one hour, it is probably unsurprising that I noticed absolutely no health benefits, but I was so uninspired by the whole experience that I won't be returning to test the cumulative effect.
This is for you if...
If you ever need an hour to just get away and have some quite alone time away from the world. Much cheaper, however, would be locking yourself in the bathroom with a bubble bath, a bar of Galaxy (one of the large ones) and a glass of wine (one of the even larger ones!)
Recommendations
Take a book or go when you're sleepy and have a nap.
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Caving...?
What: Salt Cave Grotto
Where: Acton Town
Who: Adalex Clinic
When: Thursday 14th March at 7pm
With: Emma
Why: I saw it on Groupon, then bought it.
Where: Acton Town
Who: Adalex Clinic
When: Thursday 14th March at 7pm
With: Emma
Why: I saw it on Groupon, then bought it.
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Violin Lesson
It was only brought to my attention on the Friday that Chappell of Bond Street music shop, just off Oxford Street, was offering free beginners' violin lessons. Never one to turn down a free gift, I signed up straightaway for a 20-minute private lesson slot on Saturday afternoon.
I wasn't impressed at first with the service at the shop. I arrived about 5 minutes before the scheduled start and waited at the service desk indicated on the sign. Despite the fact that numerous shop assistants came up to the desk where I was standing, they all just ignored me completely and, in the end, I had to interrupt a salesperson serving another customer to find out where to go.
However, the once the lesson itself started, everything was positive. We started with the basics - how to hold a violin. Without breaking it... I actually found it kind of similar to the flute - in that you're holding your elbow up at a right-angle, keeping your shoulders down - and I liked that I could look down the violin, to see both the music and my fingers at the same time.
As I can read music, we cracked out a Grade 1 book and tried out a piece pizzicato (plucking the strings). The trickiest bit was definitely getting the spacing right, to get the right pitch, and pressing the strings down hard enough to sound the note properly. At least I had a bit of an advantage, in that I could hear when the pitch wasn't quite right and make the necessary adjustments.
Then came the bow. I feel like, at least initially, if I was to hold the bow for any length of time, I would get the kind of hand-cramp you have after writing solidly in a 2-hour exam. I was expecting my bowing to sound like a screeching cat, perhaps trying to climb a blackboard... But it didn't! It was tricky but tuneful and very rewarding. Considering it was only a 20-minute lesson, by the end of it, the teacher and I were playing a piece, with harmonies, and sounding at least alright!
Although a complete violin beginner, I benefitted from previous musical experience. The violin is the same clef and a similar pitch to the flute, and quite often seems to play the same long strings of semiquavers that I'm used to from flute pieces. Finding out that there are things called "practice mutes" that would allow me to learn without annoying all my neighbours, makes it a very tempting instrument for me to try and teach myself...
Watch this space.
This is for you if...
My main reason for having a go (other than it being free) was to find something new to do in music. Music always puts me in a good mood, but I don't feel I have advanced over the last few years. Every orchestra already has at least one flautist; I can't really practice my piccolo in a London flat without rousing every animal within a 100m radius; I never took to piano or clarinet. This is for me because I'd like a new musical challenge.
Recommendations
Whatever the instrument, if someone is offering free lessons then definitely sign up! You have nothing to lose and you might discover a new talent. I'll be signing up to the Chappell's mailing list, to keep an eye out for any more...
I wasn't impressed at first with the service at the shop. I arrived about 5 minutes before the scheduled start and waited at the service desk indicated on the sign. Despite the fact that numerous shop assistants came up to the desk where I was standing, they all just ignored me completely and, in the end, I had to interrupt a salesperson serving another customer to find out where to go.
However, the once the lesson itself started, everything was positive. We started with the basics - how to hold a violin. Without breaking it... I actually found it kind of similar to the flute - in that you're holding your elbow up at a right-angle, keeping your shoulders down - and I liked that I could look down the violin, to see both the music and my fingers at the same time.
As I can read music, we cracked out a Grade 1 book and tried out a piece pizzicato (plucking the strings). The trickiest bit was definitely getting the spacing right, to get the right pitch, and pressing the strings down hard enough to sound the note properly. At least I had a bit of an advantage, in that I could hear when the pitch wasn't quite right and make the necessary adjustments.
Then came the bow. I feel like, at least initially, if I was to hold the bow for any length of time, I would get the kind of hand-cramp you have after writing solidly in a 2-hour exam. I was expecting my bowing to sound like a screeching cat, perhaps trying to climb a blackboard... But it didn't! It was tricky but tuneful and very rewarding. Considering it was only a 20-minute lesson, by the end of it, the teacher and I were playing a piece, with harmonies, and sounding at least alright!
Although a complete violin beginner, I benefitted from previous musical experience. The violin is the same clef and a similar pitch to the flute, and quite often seems to play the same long strings of semiquavers that I'm used to from flute pieces. Finding out that there are things called "practice mutes" that would allow me to learn without annoying all my neighbours, makes it a very tempting instrument for me to try and teach myself...
Watch this space.
This is for you if...
My main reason for having a go (other than it being free) was to find something new to do in music. Music always puts me in a good mood, but I don't feel I have advanced over the last few years. Every orchestra already has at least one flautist; I can't really practice my piccolo in a London flat without rousing every animal within a 100m radius; I never took to piano or clarinet. This is for me because I'd like a new musical challenge.
Recommendations
Whatever the instrument, if someone is offering free lessons then definitely sign up! You have nothing to lose and you might discover a new talent. I'll be signing up to the Chappell's mailing list, to keep an eye out for any more...
Friday, 11 January 2013
Alive with the sound of music?
What: Violin lesson
Where: Wardour Street, nr. Oxford Circus
Who: Chappell of Bond Street
When: Saturday, 12th January 2012 at 14:00
Why: I've played various woodwind instruments and the piano, but never a stringed instrument. Had I tried when I was younger, I think I'd've been practising in the shed... As it is, I can have a go in a music shop and hopefully no one will complain!
Where: Wardour Street, nr. Oxford Circus
Who: Chappell of Bond Street
When: Saturday, 12th January 2012 at 14:00
Why: I've played various woodwind instruments and the piano, but never a stringed instrument. Had I tried when I was younger, I think I'd've been practising in the shed... As it is, I can have a go in a music shop and hopefully no one will complain!
Friday, 30 November 2012
Sushi
When it came to choosing a sushi restaurant, the only advice I had received was to go for a place where the dishes were prepared to order. So after googling "Japan Centre restaurant", Toku, with its good reviews and convenient location near Piccadilly Circus, seemed like a good punt.
At first glance, the menu appeared incredibly long and decidedly baffling - sashimi, tapas, tempura, both "dynamic" and "classic" sushi, maki, nigiri, bento... However, with a combination of Will's previous knowledge and the kind assistance of the staff, we managed to cobble together a collection of different dishes. I wanted to try as many different things as possible!
First we went for their 7-piece sashimi set, involving salmon, tuna and yellowtail. I learned that a.) sashimi is the raw slices of fish and b.) it's not slimy and grey, it's delicious! My favourite was the yellowtail, because it had a really good initial flavour and was great with soy sauce.
Next we tried some crab tempura with a spicy dip. So, tempura is battered and deep-fried, and crab is very tasty. I was a little worried that I'd be crunching on bits of shell and pincer, but I wasn't.
We also tried some of their "dynamic sushi" - speciality sushi rolls made using things like seaweed, rice and fish. The "Sunshine" was yellowtail with mayo dressing, which was actually a bit of a let-down. Perhaps because it was all very same-y, perhaps there was a bit too much dressing. However, the "Rainbow" dish was my favourite of the whole night - sesame-coated rolls filled with king prawns, avocado, herbs and a range of fresh fish. Om nom nom!
I really enjoyed going out for sushi; it is really tasty and surprisingly filling. I'm glad that I thre myself into it and tried different dishes. To Will's disbelief, I even tried wasabi peas! I will definitely be eating sushi again. In fact, writing this, I kind of fancy some right now...
This if for you if...
If you're a fan of non-spicy, light food. There might well be hotter, spicier dishes available, but there was so much choice that we didn't come across one and still managed a wide variety of flavours.
Recommendations
Go with someone who has been before and, if in doubt, ask the restaurant staff. To avoid ordering too much food, check if you can order a few dishes at the start and then some more later.
At first glance, the menu appeared incredibly long and decidedly baffling - sashimi, tapas, tempura, both "dynamic" and "classic" sushi, maki, nigiri, bento... However, with a combination of Will's previous knowledge and the kind assistance of the staff, we managed to cobble together a collection of different dishes. I wanted to try as many different things as possible!
First we went for their 7-piece sashimi set, involving salmon, tuna and yellowtail. I learned that a.) sashimi is the raw slices of fish and b.) it's not slimy and grey, it's delicious! My favourite was the yellowtail, because it had a really good initial flavour and was great with soy sauce.
Next we tried some crab tempura with a spicy dip. So, tempura is battered and deep-fried, and crab is very tasty. I was a little worried that I'd be crunching on bits of shell and pincer, but I wasn't.
We also tried some of their "dynamic sushi" - speciality sushi rolls made using things like seaweed, rice and fish. The "Sunshine" was yellowtail with mayo dressing, which was actually a bit of a let-down. Perhaps because it was all very same-y, perhaps there was a bit too much dressing. However, the "Rainbow" dish was my favourite of the whole night - sesame-coated rolls filled with king prawns, avocado, herbs and a range of fresh fish. Om nom nom!
I really enjoyed going out for sushi; it is really tasty and surprisingly filling. I'm glad that I thre myself into it and tried different dishes. To Will's disbelief, I even tried wasabi peas! I will definitely be eating sushi again. In fact, writing this, I kind of fancy some right now...
This if for you if...
If you're a fan of non-spicy, light food. There might well be hotter, spicier dishes available, but there was so much choice that we didn't come across one and still managed a wide variety of flavours.
Recommendations
Go with someone who has been before and, if in doubt, ask the restaurant staff. To avoid ordering too much food, check if you can order a few dishes at the start and then some more later.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Is the seaweed always greener?
What: Sushi
Where: Regents Street, nr Piccadilly Circus
Who: Toku
When: Wednesday, 21st November 2012
With: Will
Why: Sushi seems to be the London lunch. I am reliably informed that my idea of a raw, wriggling, silver scaly fish is inaccurate and that it's actually delicious - so I've decided to find out!
Where: Regents Street, nr Piccadilly Circus
Who: Toku
When: Wednesday, 21st November 2012
With: Will
Why: Sushi seems to be the London lunch. I am reliably informed that my idea of a raw, wriggling, silver scaly fish is inaccurate and that it's actually delicious - so I've decided to find out!
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