Tuesday 2 September 2014

Poppies at the Tower of London

To finish off our day in London we headed to the Tower of London.  I'd seen photos that friends and family had taken of the tower recently with all the poppies to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One.


I don't think anything could have prepared me for what we saw.  It truly was breathtaking and as soon as I set eyes on the sight before me I was covered in goosebumps.  The colour literally jumps out at you.


The effect was incredible.  I loved the depth perception with the poppies being set at different levels.  Every one is handmade so each one is slightly different, it makes it all the more personal.  It really was an amazing sight.


The poppies stretched the whole way around the tower and the way they fell out of one of the windows was so effective.


They were still putting out more poppies as we were there.  In total there will be 888,246.  One poppy for every British colonial fatality.  When you see the number of poppies in front of you and think of each one as a person, someone's son, or husband, brother or father, it really does move you.  You can't help but get emotional about it.


I hope to return to see it all complete before November 11th.  After remembrance they will all be removed and sent of to those who have purchased one.  If you get the chance, please go and see it for yourselves, you really have got to see it to appreciate it's greatness and it's importance.  The photos seriously do not do it justice.


We Will Remember Them.


~ Gem x  

Monday 1 September 2014

Cath Kidston 180 Picadilly

The next thing on our agenda yesterday following our visit to Lucy Sparrow's Cornershop was Cath Kidston's flagship store in Picadilly.


I've been meaning to visit since the shop opened, so was pleased to finally get there.


There were some lovely displays.  I could easily have bought the entire shop but was very good and managed to restrain myself, and spent the time admiring everything instead.  I have a wedding to pay for after all.


The highlight of the visit for both of us though was their illusion room.  I loved it.  I've been in one before in Edinburgh last year but it still had a good giggle with this.


We timed the visit well, the illusion room has gone on tour as of today.  I've no idea where it is headed next but if you get the chance it is worth having a go :)  It's just like being a child again.


Our day wasn't quite over here, there was still another part of London we wanted to visit before we headed home, so I'll be back soon to fill you in on what we got up to next.

~ Gem x