LIFESTYLE

HELLO LONDON | National Gallery – Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers

Hello Beautiful Souls,

Van Gogh—a name that’s always been synonymous with genius, passion, and profound emotion. There’s something about his work that keeps calling me back. This artist’s life and work have always drawn me in, and though I’ve explored his world through immersive exhibits and the powerful self-portraits that give us a glimpse into his soul, what I recently experienced at The National Gallery in London was simply exceptional.

The exhibit, Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers, is more than just paintings; it’s a window into the world that moved him, the people and places that stirred his spirit, and the enduring themes of beauty, love, and longing that guided his every brushstroke.

 

Running until January 19, 2025, Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers gives us plenty of time to soak in this collection and trust me, it’s a gift you don’t want to miss. For me, the highlight was finally standing before Starry Night in person. No image or replica does it justice. Seeing it up close, feeling the textured brushstrokes, and experiencing the depth and emotion he poured into it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. But what truly took my breath away were the paintings I’d never known he’d created, each one a hidden gem reflecting a different facet of his artistry.

One of the most moving aspects of this exhibit is the rare opportunity it offers to see his works from Saint-Rémy up close. Here, Van Gogh’s inspirations—poets, writers, and artists—come to life through his vivid colours and expressive techniques. His strokes range from fierce and raw to delicate and intentional, each one telling a story and each shade revealing a part of his journey. Standing there, you almost feel the solitude he encountered, the love he felt for the world, and the fragile yet powerful connection he had with life.

For those visiting, the exhibit is more than just a collection of paintings. It’s an intimate exploration of his inner life, where the words of poets, the colours of the countryside, and the camaraderie of fellow artists all collide to create masterpieces that are, to this day, filled with raw, human emotion.

If you find yourself in London, this is one experience you must treat yourself to. It’s a chance to connect with not only Van Gogh’s art but also the very soul of a man who sought meaning in a world that was often at odds with him.

With love,
Miss Widjaja

 

Musical, |, Bonnie, &, Clyde, at, the, Garrick, Theatre, is, a, thrilling, and, dramatic, production, that, brings, the, infamous, outlaw, couple, to, life, on, stage. Set, during, the, Great, Depression, the, musical, tells, the, story, of, Bonnie, Parker, and, Clyde, Barrow, whose, criminal, exploits, captivated, America. With, a, dynamic, score, blending, genres, such, as, country, blues, and, jazz, the, show, features, powerful, performances, and, a, compelling, narrative, filled, with, romance, and, danger. Bonnie, & Clyde, at, the, Garrick, Theatre, offers, an, intense, and, captivating, theatrical, experience, that, immerses, audiences, in, the, dramatic, and, rebellious, world, of, these, legendary, figures
LIFESTYLE

HELLO MUSICAL | BONNIE & CLYDE

Hello Beautiful Souls,

I had the incredible opportunity to witness the mesmerizing production of “Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical” at the renowned Garrick Theatre. As a fan of musical theatre, I had high expectations for this show, and I must say, it exceeded every single one of them.

Taking the stage with music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Don Black, and a book by Ivan Menchell, “Bonnie & Clyde” is a gripping tale that delves into the infamous story of the notorious American outlaws, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. This musical adaptation flawlessly captures the essence of their tumultuous lives, while weaving a captivating narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire performance.

First and foremost, I must commend the incredible talent that graced the stage. The cast members brought an undeniable energy and passion to their roles, truly immersing the audience in the story. Their voices were sensational, effortlessly bringing the emotional depth and vulnerability of the characters to life. It was a joy to witness such raw talent on display.

The songs in “Bonnie & Clyde” were nothing short of extraordinary. Each musical number was beautifully crafted, capturing the essence of the characters and the era in which they lived. From heart-wrenching ballads to toe-tapping ensemble numbers, the music perfectly complemented the story and left me humming the tunes long after the final curtain call.

Musical, |, Bonnie, &, Clyde, at, the, Garrick, Theatre, is, a, thrilling, and, dramatic, production, that, brings, the, infamous, outlaw, couple, to, life, on, stage. Set, during, the, Great, Depression, the, musical, tells, the, story, of, Bonnie, Parker, and, Clyde, Barrow, whose, criminal, exploits, captivated, America. With, a, dynamic, score, blending, genres, such, as, country, blues, and, jazz, the, show, features, powerful, performances, and, a, compelling, narrative, filled, with, romance, and, danger. Bonnie, & Clyde, at, the, Garrick, Theatre, offers, an, intense, and, captivating, theatrical, experience, that, immerses, audiences, in, the, dramatic, and, rebellious, world, of, these, legendary, figuresOne of the highlights of the show was the dynamic between Bonnie and Clyde’s sister-in-law, Blanche. Their interactions added a touch of humour and lightheartedness to the otherwise intense narrative. The chemistry between the actors was palpable, and their scenes provided a delightful respite from the tension that permeated the story.

While “Bonnie & Clyde” is not a musical that graces the stage year-round, I highly recommend seizing the opportunity to experience it if you ever get the chance. The combination of an exceptional cast, captivating music, and a compelling storyline makes it a theatrical gem that should not be missed.

As the final notes of the show resonated in the theatre, I found myself reflecting on the power of storytelling and the impact that theatre can have on our hearts and minds. “Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical” transported me to a different time and place, allowing me to empathize with characters whose lives were marked by tragedy and defiance. It served as a powerful reminder of the complexities of the human experience and the enduring allure of musical theatre.

So, my dear readers, if you find yourself yearning for an evening of gripping storytelling, remarkable performances, and unforgettable melodies, I implore you to seek out “Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical” next time it is around in London. It is an extraordinary theatrical experience that will leave you spellbound and longing for more.

 

With love,
Miss Widjaja

Fish, & Bubbles, in, Notting, Hill, is, a, charming, eatery, renowned, for, its, delectable, seafood, dishes, and, sparkling, atmosphere. The, restaurant, specializes, in, a, variety, of, fresh, fish, and, seafood, options, served, with, a, selection, of, bubbles, and, fine, wines. Guests, can, enjoy, a, range, of, beautifully, prepared, dishes, from, classic, fish, and, chips, to, more, sophisticated, seafood, creations. Fish, & Bubbles, provides, a, welcoming, and, relaxed, dining, experience, perfect, for, enjoying, quality, seafood, in, a, cozy, setting, in, the, heart, of, Notting, Hill
FOOD CORNER

HELLO LONDON | FISH & BUBBLES NOTTING HILL

Hello Beautiful Souls,

Exploring Southern Italian Delights at Fish & Bubbles, Notting Hill. I had the pleasure of visiting Fish & Bubbles in Notting Hill, and let me tell you, it was an experience to remember. Owned by the talented Corsaro brothers, Peppe and Angelo, who are also behind Stanley Tucci’s favourite restaurant “La mia Mamma”, Fish & Bubbles offers a unique Southern Italian culinary experience that is not to be missed.

Upon entering Fish & Bubbles, I was immediately struck by the inviting atmosphere and warm hospitality. The staff was friendly and attentive, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the menu.

Fish, & Bubbles, in, Notting, Hill, is, a, charming, eatery, renowned, for, its, delectable, seafood, dishes, and, sparkling, atmosphere. The, restaurant, specializes, in, a, variety, of, fresh, fish, and, seafood, options, served, with, a, selection, of, bubbles, and, fine, wines. Guests, can, enjoy, a, range, of, beautifully, prepared, dishes, from, classic, fish, and, chips, to, more, sophisticated, seafood, creations. Fish, & Bubbles, provides, a, welcoming, and, relaxed, dining, experience, perfect, for, enjoying, quality, seafood, in, a, cozy, setting, in, the, heart, of, Notting, HillOne dish that particularly caught my eye was the Fritto Misto al Metro. This sharing platter, designed for a minimum of two people, offers a tantalizing selection of fried seafood and fish served on a one-meter wooden board. And here’s the best part: if you order this platter on weekdays between certain hours, you’ll receive a complimentary Negroni to enjoy alongside your meal. [Yes, please]

Fish, & Bubbles, in, Notting, Hill, is, a, charming, eatery, renowned, for, its, delectable, seafood, dishes, and, sparkling, atmosphere. The, restaurant, specializes, in, a, variety, of, fresh, fish, and, seafood, options, served, with, a, selection, of, bubbles, and, fine, wines. Guests, can, enjoy, a, range, of, beautifully, prepared, dishes, from, classic, fish, and, chips, to, more, sophisticated, seafood, creations. Fish, & Bubbles, provides, a, welcoming, and, relaxed, dining, experience, perfect, for, enjoying, quality, seafood, in, a, cozy, setting, in, the, heart, of, Notting, HillEager to sample this culinary delight, my friend and I decided to give it a try. But first, we started our evening with a classic Aperol Spritz, which did not disappoint. Refreshing and perfectly balanced, it was the ideal way to kick off our meal.

When the Fritto Misto al Metro arrived at our table, we were greeted with a feast for the senses. The one-meter wooden board was piled high with an enticing array of fried seafood and fish, each piece perfectly cooked and bursting with flavour. From crispy calamari to succulent prawns, there was no shortage of delicious options to choose from.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the Fritto Misto, I must admit that it was a bit too much fried food for my taste. That being said, the variety of options on the platter was impressive, and I could see how it would be the perfect choice for seafood lovers.

One thing I particularly loved about Fish & Bubbles is its spacious alfresco terrace. With plenty of seating and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some seafood and an aperitivo on a warm summer evening.

Overall, my experience at Fish & Bubbles was pleasant. The food was delicious, the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was welcoming. If you find yourself in Notting Hill and craving a taste of Southern Italy, be sure to visit them.

Buon appetito!

With love,
Miss Widjaja

Fish & Bubbles, Notting Hill

Tour, of, Muggles, Harry, Potter, tour, in, London, offers, an, enchanting, experience, for, fans, of, the, beloved, magical, series. This, immersive, tour, takes, guests, on, a, journey, through, iconic, filming, locations, and, real-life, inspirations, behind, the, Harry, Potter, universe. Participants, can, explore, famous, sites, such, as, Diagon, Alley, and, Platform, 9¾, while, learning, fascinating, behind-the-scenes, details, and, trivia. With, knowledgeable, guides, and, a, well-crafted, itinerary, the, Tour, of, Muggles, provides, a, magical, adventure, for, both, casual, fans, and, devoted, Potterheads, alike
LIFESTYLE

HELLO LONDON | TOUR OF MUGGLES

Hello Beautiful Souls,

Today, I want to take you on a magical journey – a guided walking tour through the enchanting city of London, but with a twist of wizardry! Yes, you guessed it right, it was a Harry Potter tour, and it was called the “Tour of Muggles.” I am not a die-hard Harry Potter fan, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore the iconic spots that were brought to life in J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding world.

The tour kicked off amidst a typical London drizzle, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. After all, as they say, “That is London.” Armed with our umbrellas and wands, we set out on this adventure that promised to transport us into the realm of magic.

The “Tour of Muggles” was a two-hour extravaganza, filled with fascinating stories and trivia about the Harry Potter films and the locations that inspired them. Our knowledgeable guide led us through the cobbled streets, unveiling the secrets behind each magical site.

Tour, of, Muggles, Harry, Potter, tour, in, London, offers, an, enchanting, experience, for, fans, of, the, beloved, magical, series. This, immersive, tour, takes, guests, on, a, journey, through, iconic, filming, locations, and, real-life, inspirations, behind, the, Harry, Potter, universe. Participants, can, explore, famous, sites, such, as, Diagon, Alley, and, Platform, 9¾, while, learning, fascinating, behind-the-scenes, details, and, trivia. With, knowledgeable, guides, and, a, well-crafted, itinerary, the, Tour, of, Muggles, provides, a, magical, adventure, for, both, casual, fans, and, devoted, Potterheads, alikeFrom the awe-inspiring Leadenhall Market, which served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, to the famous Millennium Bridge that was dramatically destroyed by Death Eaters in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” every stop was a delightful reminder of the wizarding world we all adore.

The rain couldn’t deter our excitement as we soaked in the atmosphere of these iconic places. Each spot was like stepping into the pages of the books or scenes from the movies, bringing a surreal feeling of being part of something truly magical.

Admittedly, the two hours did feel a bit long, especially with the persistent rain. However, the thrill of exploring these familiar locations made it all worthwhile. It was a chance to reconnect with our favourite characters and relive the moments that had captured our hearts.

As the tour came to an end near Borough Market, our minds were swirling with magical memories. The best part was that we had the perfect opportunity to refuel and indulge our taste buds at the Sri Lankan restaurant, Rambutan. But more about that culinary adventure in a different blog post!

All in all, the “Tour of Muggles” was an experience I will treasure forever. Mainly because I did the tour with my mum. It reminded me of the power of imagination and how literature and films can create universes that transcend the boundaries of reality. If you find yourself in London and happen to be a Potterhead, I highly recommend embarking on this journey. It’s a chance to step into the shoes of a wizard or witch and see the world from a different perspective.

Until the next adventure,

With love,
Miss Widjaja