Tuesday 19. 11. 13 Just back from a week in the UK. Stayed in London at an interesting new hotel in the East end called Qbic located just off Whitechapel High Street near Brick Lane reasonable prices and quite funky. Did the usual galleries – particularly enjoyed the Australia show at the RA. Took the boat to Greenwich from Westminster, saw the Christmas windows on Oxford St. Rented a car for the weekend and tried to explore the Thames estuary but it is difficult to actually access the river. However went to the new Turner gallery at Margate which is a wonderful building right on the beach. A good show there of various Brit artists who worked en plein air – Constable, Cotman and of course Turner. Stayed overnight in Broadstairs and came back via Southend and Canvey Island. Brief but stimulating as always.