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HELLO MUSEUM | THE LAST CARAVAGGIO – THE NATIONAL GALLERY

Hello Beautiful Souls, I recently visited the National Gallery to see the incredible exhibition titled “The Last Caravaggio.” This stunning showcase, open until the 21st of July 2024, offers a rare glimpse into the final masterpieces of the legendary artist Caravaggio. The best part? Admission is completely free! All you need to do is book your ticket in advance.

This thoughtful ticketing approach by the National Gallery is a fantastic way to ensure that the museum remains uncrowded, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the art on display. It’s a refreshing change that enhances the overall experience, letting you savour each painting without the usual hustle and bustle.

the-last-caravaggio-national-galleryThe exhibition may be small, but it is incredibly significant and exciting. It features two of Caravaggio’s last works, painted during his final years in Naples. You will see “The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula” (1610) and “Salome with the Head of John the Baptist” (1609-10). These paintings, rich with dramatic intensity and profound emotion, offer a poignant look into the artist’s state of mind during his last days.

As you step into the gallery, you’ll notice the dim lighting, carefully designed to preserve these precious artworks. Though it may take a moment to adjust, the ambience transports you to a Roman church, echoing the very spaces where Caravaggio’s art originally thrived. The paintings are accompanied by insightful letters and a detailed biography, providing a deeper understanding of Caravaggio’s life and his extraordinary artistic journey.

the-last-caravaggio-national-gallerySince the exhibition is relatively brief, I took the opportunity to explore other parts of the museum. The National Gallery houses an extensive collection of masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rubens, El Greco, and many more. Each visit unveils new treasures, making it a place you can return to time and again. The fact that it’s free means you can leisurely explore different sections at your own pace, discovering new favourites with each visit.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience Caravaggio’s last works in such an intimate setting. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that blends art, history, and emotion in the heart of the National Gallery.

#ArtLovers #NationalGallery #CaravaggioExhibition #FreeEntry #ArtInLondon #MuseumVisit #ExploreArt #MissWidjajaTravels @MissWidjaja

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HELLO LONDON | TREVOR NOAH – OFF THE RECORD

Hello Beautiful Souls! I had the pleasure of attending the Trevor Noah “Off The Record” standup show at the iconic O2 Arena, and let me tell you, it was an experience to remember! For just three days, Trevor graced London with his comedic brilliance, and it was nothing short of awesome.

TREVOR-NOAH-OFF-THE-RECORDTrevor Noah’s wit and sharpness were on full display throughout the show. His unique blend of comedy and insightful political views kept the audience in stitches while making us reflect on the world around us. The man knows how to deliver laughter with a punch!

What surprised me even more was the affordability of the tickets. For less than 50 pounds, I was treated to nearly two hours of top-notch entertainment. Trevor’s ability to connect with the audience and keep us engaged for such a substantial amount of time was truly commendable.

Although I regretfully forgot the name of the support act, this New York-based comedian added an extra layer of hilarity to the evening. One standout moment was when he humorously compared the cleanliness of London to the bustling streets of New York – a comedic perspective that had the entire arena in stitches.

As Trevor wrapped up the show, he graciously fielded questions from the audience, adding a personal touch to the evening. The timing of the show’s conclusion was perfect, allowing everyone to catch the tube back home without a rush.

All in all, Trevor Noah’s “Off The Record” standup show was a fantastic blend of humour, intellect, and relatability. If you ever get the chance to catch him live, don’t miss it!

Thanks for reading, and share your favourite Trevor Noah moments or your thoughts on the show!

#TrevorNoah #OffTheRecord #O2Arena #StandupComedy #LaughOutLoud #ComedyGenius #LondonEntertainment #AffordableFun #FunnyNightOut #LiveComedy #ComedyExperience #TrevorNoahLive #LondonLaughs #ComedyNights #MissWidjaja2024

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HELLO LONDON | ALI WONG AT EVENTIM APOLLO

Hello Beautiful Souls, I had the privilege of attending an incredible comedy show featuring the one and only Ali Wong at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith. Let me share with you the unforgettable experience I had on this delightful evening, where laughter echoed through the air and the sense of community was truly heartwarming.

London has always been a melting pot of cultures, but I was pleasantly surprised by the immense Asian community that thrives here. The Eventim Apollo was brimming with people excited to witness Ali Wong’s performance, and the diversity of the crowd was a testament to her widespread appeal.

ALI-WONG-AT-EVENTIM-APOLLOAs the lights dimmed and the stage came to life, Ali Wong graced us with her presence. Her confidence radiated, and it was immediately evident that we were in for a treat. Ali has a way of connecting with her audience that’s both relatable and captivating. What struck me the most was her ability to transform personal experiences into hilarious anecdotes. She fearlessly delved into her recent divorce, effortlessly infusing humour into what could have been a sombre topic. Her candidness and comedic prowess made the whole audience feel like we were old friends sharing stories over a cup of tea.

ALI-WONG-AT-EVENTIM-APOLLOAli Wong’s performance wasn’t just laughter-inducing; it was thought-provoking too. Her humorous take on relationships and dating made me reconsider my perspective, even though I’ve never been married. It’s amazing how comedy can be a catalyst for introspection, and Ali masterfully achieved that balance between lightheartedness and insight.

However, the surprises of the night didn’t end with Ali’s performance. The support act, Sheng Wang, took the stage before her and delivered a set that was nothing short of brilliant. Having recently watched his Netflix show, I was thrilled to see him in person. His unique style and witty observations had the audience in stitches, setting the perfect tone for the rest of the night.

All in all, the evening was a rollercoaster of laughter and connection. The way Ali Wong connected with the diverse audience and touched on personal experiences while keeping the atmosphere light was truly impressive. As the curtains drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for such a wonderful experience that celebrated both comedy and community.

#AliWongLive #EventimApolloLaughs #LondonComedyNights #LaughterIsUniversal #ComedyCommunityLove

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HELLO LONDON | THE WEEKND WEMBLEY 2023

Hello Beautiful Souls! Last night was an absolute whirlwind as I found myself amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Wembley Stadium, moving to the rhythm of The Weeknd’s melodies on August 18, 2023. The anticipation had been building for a few weeks, and finally, the moment had arrived. With excitement coursing through my veins, I joined the sea of fans ready to immerse themselves in the sonic journey.

The stage lit up as the music reverberated across the stadium, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The palpable energy was infectious, and it was clear that everyone had gathered for one reason: to fully emerge in the music.

THE-WEEKND-WEMBLEY-2023As the night unfolded, I couldn’t help but notice a few details that caught my attention. For a venue as massive as Wembley Stadium, I was surprised to find only two small screens offering visuals to those seated farther from the stage. There were even seats behind the stage. The LED bracelets distributed among the audience were a nice touch, although they didn’t quite deliver the anticipated ‘wow’ factor. However, these minor aspects were no match for the excitement that filled the air as you can see on my Instagram highlights.

THE-WEEKND-WEMBLEY-2023One thing that did strike me was the sheer volume of the music. The beats were so intense that earplugs were a must, but this unexpected twist had a silver lining: it allowed me to immerse myself fully in the melodies. It allowed me to hear the music as it should. The Weeknd’s distinctive voice and musical artistry were on full display, forging a connection between the artist and the audience that was simply captivating. I did like it when he finally took his mask off and greeted some fans near the stage.

Although I didn’t dress up for the occasion, my enthusiasm was anything but subdued. Alongside my friend and fellow music lovers, I embraced the spirit of the night, turning it into a celebration of music and camaraderie. Our seats provided a clear view of the stage, allowing us to witness The Weeknd’s performance up close and personal. As far as it was possible with the tiny screens.

As the night progressed, The Weeknd’s chart-toppers had the entire crowd swaying and singing along. While some elements of the show might not have matched my expectations, the energy that pulsed through the stadium was undeniable. I couldn’t help but move to the tunes I recognized, caught up in the collective euphoria that only live concerts can provide.

Looking back, I realized that my perceptions may have been shaped by previous concerts I had attended, like those of Coldplay and Harry Styles. These performances set a high bar for stage presence and production value.

Nevertheless, The Weeknd’s show was a unique experience in its own right, and I thoroughly enjoyed the songs that were familiar to me.
As I pen down these words, I can’t help but smile at the memories created during that incredible night at Wembley Stadium. How many concerts did I see here so far?

The music, the crowd, the energy – they all converged to craft an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Imperfections and all, it was a night of music, unity, and unrestrained joy that I will forever cherish.

#TheWeekndWembley #ConcertNights #LiveMusicMagic #WembleyExperience #MusicEnthusiast