What Makes Britain 'Great'?
May 16th 2005, 12:59 am
#31
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2004
Location: Birkdale QLD
Posts: 7,642
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by bondipom
That makes me want to pop over for a weekend. When I last went over there was an exhibition of Turner, Monet and Whistler whose focus was on painting London in the smogs of the 19th century. The atmosphere captured in the images of the sun struggling to pierce the pea soupers made a mark on me. I have always enjoyed London but this provided a special angle on the city.
JTL
May 16th 2005, 1:01 am
#32
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,439
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by JackTheLad
Looks like someone tried to write 'Please Clean Me' in the dust on that picture
JTL
JTL
May 16th 2005, 1:24 am
#33
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by Professional Princess
Going through the whole migration process I have found, you go through loads of different stages.
Mine started off as 'I cannot wait to leave the UK', to being frantic about 'making it to Oz', money worries, right down to the sheer panick of the thought of being refused.
They all boiled back down to a strong dislike of the UK.
Then reading the comments on this sight of 'rose tinted specs syndrome', I wondered if there was a right or wrong way to be feeling in this stressful process.
As some of you know, in the past 2 months I have had a fair bit happen to me.
I have nearly lost my mum, I have been the victim of identity fraud and my money stolen, I have had my phone line tapped into and calls made.
Tempted to blame it on 'the damn UK', I thought to myself that crap happens and it can stick anywhere. Distance no object, bad luck is knows no prejudice.
So with the trauma of mum being ill, I slowly began to re-think my views on the UK, whilst still keeping my dream firmly within my sights.
The other week I was at Lambeth embankment on business and as I glanced up I spotted the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Lots of boats sailed slowly down the Thames.
I had seen it a hundred times if not more, but this time I really saw it.
Staring round at all the old buildings, the history, the sun shining, the tacky souvenir shops at the bridge, I grabbed my mobile phone and called the one person I pour my feelings to - my Mum.
'Mum, Im looking at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, I have never noticed how beautiful London is!' I said to her in an excited voice.
'Thats taken you long enough' Mum replied.
Taking a last glance at the huge clock that sees in every new year for the UK, I wished I had brought my camera.
Totally fascinated with my new found love of this sometimes very hostile Capital, I got the bus to Waterloo station.
Passing the London Eye, I marvelled at the huge thing going round slowly, the people waiting their turn, some with Union Jacks, some with families, but all of them wanting their own perfect view of London.
Now last week I watched the VE day celebrations on TV, I really wish that I had gone to see it live in London instead of watching it on TV.
Seeing those proud war vets choking with emotion, standing there to every song sang by todays stars (except Cliff Richard as I dislike him as much as Celine Dion), their war medals hanging on their jackets.
The crowd waving their Union Jacks, I still cannot believe I watched this as its something I wouldnt normally see.
When Dame Vera came on the stage and those old soldiers fought back the tears and stood up as she greeted them, something quite suddenly hit me.
I no longer dislike the UK. I am ready to emigrate to Australia as that is my ambition, my vision and where I see my future.
I have discovered that I love London, warts and all. I love our Jubilee, although i am not a Royalist, I cannot wait for the next Coronation.
Our history is so incredible, I cant believe we are contributing to it in our own small way.
Its a comforting thought to think that instead of leaving a country I dislike, Im leaving the country I love, to move to a country I must learn about.
So the day I get my visa, will be the second proudest day of my life.
The first was when I discovered that Britain really is Great.
Mine started off as 'I cannot wait to leave the UK', to being frantic about 'making it to Oz', money worries, right down to the sheer panick of the thought of being refused.
They all boiled back down to a strong dislike of the UK.
Then reading the comments on this sight of 'rose tinted specs syndrome', I wondered if there was a right or wrong way to be feeling in this stressful process.
As some of you know, in the past 2 months I have had a fair bit happen to me.
I have nearly lost my mum, I have been the victim of identity fraud and my money stolen, I have had my phone line tapped into and calls made.
Tempted to blame it on 'the damn UK', I thought to myself that crap happens and it can stick anywhere. Distance no object, bad luck is knows no prejudice.
So with the trauma of mum being ill, I slowly began to re-think my views on the UK, whilst still keeping my dream firmly within my sights.
The other week I was at Lambeth embankment on business and as I glanced up I spotted the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Lots of boats sailed slowly down the Thames.
I had seen it a hundred times if not more, but this time I really saw it.
Staring round at all the old buildings, the history, the sun shining, the tacky souvenir shops at the bridge, I grabbed my mobile phone and called the one person I pour my feelings to - my Mum.
'Mum, Im looking at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, I have never noticed how beautiful London is!' I said to her in an excited voice.
'Thats taken you long enough' Mum replied.
Taking a last glance at the huge clock that sees in every new year for the UK, I wished I had brought my camera.
Totally fascinated with my new found love of this sometimes very hostile Capital, I got the bus to Waterloo station.
Passing the London Eye, I marvelled at the huge thing going round slowly, the people waiting their turn, some with Union Jacks, some with families, but all of them wanting their own perfect view of London.
Now last week I watched the VE day celebrations on TV, I really wish that I had gone to see it live in London instead of watching it on TV.
Seeing those proud war vets choking with emotion, standing there to every song sang by todays stars (except Cliff Richard as I dislike him as much as Celine Dion), their war medals hanging on their jackets.
The crowd waving their Union Jacks, I still cannot believe I watched this as its something I wouldnt normally see.
When Dame Vera came on the stage and those old soldiers fought back the tears and stood up as she greeted them, something quite suddenly hit me.
I no longer dislike the UK. I am ready to emigrate to Australia as that is my ambition, my vision and where I see my future.
I have discovered that I love London, warts and all. I love our Jubilee, although i am not a Royalist, I cannot wait for the next Coronation.
Our history is so incredible, I cant believe we are contributing to it in our own small way.
Its a comforting thought to think that instead of leaving a country I dislike, Im leaving the country I love, to move to a country I must learn about.
So the day I get my visa, will be the second proudest day of my life.
The first was when I discovered that Britain really is Great.
Totally agree, I sat last week and cried my eyes out watching the Antiques Roadshow :scared: It was from the Guild Hall in London and it showed all the London sights.
Before we left we had a weekend in London and took loads of pics. I have always thought that Big Ben and the Houses of Parliment is just a stunning building. I couldn't live in London, it would do my head in, but we just simply had to go and visit it one last time
Thinking of it now puts a lump in my throat and if London is so frightful why did we feel the need to go back and see it one last time
The view from the London Eye was just incredible.Sometimes you need to step back to appreciate what you have, but blimey 12,000 miles is a bloody big step
Best wishes
Jill
May 16th 2005, 5:01 am
#34
forever hopeful
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: oh,i don't flippin know, why ask me
Posts: 1,879
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
I totally agree with redlion and pp. if you take the time to look around the uk is fabulous, and in itself is truley our national treasure.
But sometimes even the most beutiful thing in the world can become jaded. and also i think we as a nation are not told enough to be proud of the uk i.e america, austrlia. from small children these countries are told to be proud of thier nationality and would never sream of stepping back from that.
Maybe they should start a law (obscure law threaders beware) to bring back british pride (is that a beer?).
that is one thing that i am looking forward to my children having. pride in where they were raised. obviously whilst not forgeting where they came from.
Hope your mum stays on the mend pp.
louise
But sometimes even the most beutiful thing in the world can become jaded. and also i think we as a nation are not told enough to be proud of the uk i.e america, austrlia. from small children these countries are told to be proud of thier nationality and would never sream of stepping back from that.
Maybe they should start a law (obscure law threaders beware) to bring back british pride (is that a beer?).
that is one thing that i am looking forward to my children having. pride in where they were raised. obviously whilst not forgeting where they came from.
Hope your mum stays on the mend pp.
louise
May 16th 2005, 5:24 am
#35
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by JackTheLad
Looks like someone tried to write 'Please Clean Me' in the dust on that picture
JTL
JTL
The watermark takes something away from it. The painting is worth trying to see in real life.
May 16th 2005, 5:37 am
#36
Banned
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Santa Monica,CA from Birmingham, UK
Posts: 18,402
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by Professional Princess
Going through the whole migration process I have found, you go through loads of different stages.
Mine started off as 'I cannot wait to leave the UK', to being frantic about 'making it to Oz', money worries, right down to the sheer panick of the thought of being refused.
They all boiled back down to a strong dislike of the UK.
Then reading the comments on this sight of 'rose tinted specs syndrome', I wondered if there was a right or wrong way to be feeling in this stressful process.
As some of you know, in the past 2 months I have had a fair bit happen to me.
I have nearly lost my mum, I have been the victim of identity fraud and my money stolen, I have had my phone line tapped into and calls made.
Tempted to blame it on 'the damn UK', I thought to myself that crap happens and it can stick anywhere. Distance no object, bad luck is knows no prejudice.
So with the trauma of mum being ill, I slowly began to re-think my views on the UK, whilst still keeping my dream firmly within my sights.
The other week I was at Lambeth embankment on business and as I glanced up I spotted the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Lots of boats sailed slowly down the Thames.
I had seen it a hundred times if not more, but this time I really saw it.
Staring round at all the old buildings, the history, the sun shining, the tacky souvenir shops at the bridge, I grabbed my mobile phone and called the one person I pour my feelings to - my Mum.
'Mum, Im looking at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, I have never noticed how beautiful London is!' I said to her in an excited voice.
'Thats taken you long enough' Mum replied.
Taking a last glance at the huge clock that sees in every new year for the UK, I wished I had brought my camera.
Totally fascinated with my new found love of this sometimes very hostile Capital, I got the bus to Waterloo station.
Passing the London Eye, I marvelled at the huge thing going round slowly, the people waiting their turn, some with Union Jacks, some with families, but all of them wanting their own perfect view of London.
Now last week I watched the VE day celebrations on TV, I really wish that I had gone to see it live in London instead of watching it on TV.
Seeing those proud war vets choking with emotion, standing there to every song sang by todays stars (except Cliff Richard as I dislike him as much as Celine Dion), their war medals hanging on their jackets.
The crowd waving their Union Jacks, I still cannot believe I watched this as its something I wouldnt normally see.
When Dame Vera came on the stage and those old soldiers fought back the tears and stood up as she greeted them, something quite suddenly hit me.
I no longer dislike the UK. I am ready to emigrate to Australia as that is my ambition, my vision and where I see my future.
I have discovered that I love London, warts and all. I love our Jubilee, although i am not a Royalist, I cannot wait for the next Coronation.
Our history is so incredible, I cant believe we are contributing to it in our own small way.
Its a comforting thought to think that instead of leaving a country I dislike, Im leaving the country I love, to move to a country I must learn about.
So the day I get my visa, will be the second proudest day of my life.
The first was when I discovered that Britain really is Great.
Mine started off as 'I cannot wait to leave the UK', to being frantic about 'making it to Oz', money worries, right down to the sheer panick of the thought of being refused.
They all boiled back down to a strong dislike of the UK.
Then reading the comments on this sight of 'rose tinted specs syndrome', I wondered if there was a right or wrong way to be feeling in this stressful process.
As some of you know, in the past 2 months I have had a fair bit happen to me.
I have nearly lost my mum, I have been the victim of identity fraud and my money stolen, I have had my phone line tapped into and calls made.
Tempted to blame it on 'the damn UK', I thought to myself that crap happens and it can stick anywhere. Distance no object, bad luck is knows no prejudice.
So with the trauma of mum being ill, I slowly began to re-think my views on the UK, whilst still keeping my dream firmly within my sights.
The other week I was at Lambeth embankment on business and as I glanced up I spotted the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Lots of boats sailed slowly down the Thames.
I had seen it a hundred times if not more, but this time I really saw it.
Staring round at all the old buildings, the history, the sun shining, the tacky souvenir shops at the bridge, I grabbed my mobile phone and called the one person I pour my feelings to - my Mum.
'Mum, Im looking at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, I have never noticed how beautiful London is!' I said to her in an excited voice.
'Thats taken you long enough' Mum replied.
Taking a last glance at the huge clock that sees in every new year for the UK, I wished I had brought my camera.
Totally fascinated with my new found love of this sometimes very hostile Capital, I got the bus to Waterloo station.
Passing the London Eye, I marvelled at the huge thing going round slowly, the people waiting their turn, some with Union Jacks, some with families, but all of them wanting their own perfect view of London.
Now last week I watched the VE day celebrations on TV, I really wish that I had gone to see it live in London instead of watching it on TV.
Seeing those proud war vets choking with emotion, standing there to every song sang by todays stars (except Cliff Richard as I dislike him as much as Celine Dion), their war medals hanging on their jackets.
The crowd waving their Union Jacks, I still cannot believe I watched this as its something I wouldnt normally see.
When Dame Vera came on the stage and those old soldiers fought back the tears and stood up as she greeted them, something quite suddenly hit me.
I no longer dislike the UK. I am ready to emigrate to Australia as that is my ambition, my vision and where I see my future.
I have discovered that I love London, warts and all. I love our Jubilee, although i am not a Royalist, I cannot wait for the next Coronation.
Our history is so incredible, I cant believe we are contributing to it in our own small way.
Its a comforting thought to think that instead of leaving a country I dislike, Im leaving the country I love, to move to a country I must learn about.
So the day I get my visa, will be the second proudest day of my life.
The first was when I discovered that Britain really is Great.
May 16th 2005, 6:11 am
#37
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2004
Location: Birkdale QLD
Posts: 7,642
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by bondipom
He he
The watermark takes something away from it. The painting is worth trying to see in real life.
The watermark takes something away from it. The painting is worth trying to see in real life.
JTL
May 16th 2005, 6:14 am
#38
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by JackTheLad
Do you know where its *normally* displayed, or does it do the rounds with Monet exhibitions?
JTL
JTL
Claude Monet
Houses of Parliament: Effect of Sunlight in the Fog 1904
(Le Parlement, trouée de soleil dans le brouillard)
Oil on canvas, 81 x 92 cm
Musée d'Orsay, Paris
May 16th 2005, 6:19 am
#39
.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21,374
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by bondipom
http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhib...parlsunfog.htm
Claude Monet
Houses of Parliament: Effect of Sunlight in the Fog 1904
(Le Parlement, trouée de soleil dans le brouillard)
Oil on canvas, 81 x 92 cm
Musée d'Orsay, Paris
Claude Monet
Houses of Parliament: Effect of Sunlight in the Fog 1904
(Le Parlement, trouée de soleil dans le brouillard)
Oil on canvas, 81 x 92 cm
Musée d'Orsay, Paris
Wow that's a beauty
May 16th 2005, 6:25 am
#40
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2004
Location: Birkdale QLD
Posts: 7,642
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by fraser
Wow that's a beauty
Yeah, nice effect.
So they're always kept at the Tate? I've been to the Tate once, about 4 years ago, but I don't remember seeing that
Edit: Oh oops, is it at the Musee d'Orsay?
JTL
Last edited by JackTheLad; May 16th 2005 at 6:27 am.
May 16th 2005, 6:27 am
#41
.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21,374
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by JackTheLad
Yeah, nice effect.
So they're always kept at the Tate? I've been to the Tate once, about 4 years ago, but I don't remember seeing that
JTL
So they're always kept at the Tate? I've been to the Tate once, about 4 years ago, but I don't remember seeing that
JTL
Maybe I should jump on a tube and drag myself up there before I leave,
I've lived in London all my life and never been
May 16th 2005, 6:36 am
#42
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Buckinghamshire
Posts: 961
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by Merlot
I reckon Karen's son's would do better than the England cricket team
May 16th 2005, 6:38 am
#43
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Buckinghamshire
Posts: 961
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by bondipom
http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhib...parlsunfog.htm
Claude Monet
Houses of Parliament: Effect of Sunlight in the Fog 1904
(Le Parlement, trouée de soleil dans le brouillard)
Oil on canvas, 81 x 92 cm
Musée d'Orsay, Paris
Claude Monet
Houses of Parliament: Effect of Sunlight in the Fog 1904
(Le Parlement, trouée de soleil dans le brouillard)
Oil on canvas, 81 x 92 cm
Musée d'Orsay, Paris
Monet - one of my favourite painters, thanks for the piccie to remind me how beautiful his work is
May 16th 2005, 6:54 am
#44
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
Originally Posted by TheColebecks
Monet - one of my favourite painters, thanks for the piccie to remind me how beautiful his work is
May 16th 2005, 7:41 am
#45
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane (previously Hampshire)
Posts: 120
Re: What Makes Britain 'Great'?
This is a great post. I'm not leaving England because I dislike it in any way at all. I'm actually very happy here - I have (er - had, as I finished on Friday) a good job, great family, friends, and I love England - for me it's more the countryside than the cities, but I'll be sad to go.
The decision was made more in terms of where can offer the best for the future, and I find England too expensive and overcrowded.
We came back from our hols in Oz (my first trip) 4 weeks ago to pack up our stuff, hand in our notices, and leave again. These 4 weeks 'in between' have been a real eye opener.
Knowing I'll be leaving people, I've made more effort to see all my friends, go out as much as possible, and visit all those places, restaurants, etc. that I had never got round to visiting.
I've been looking at England in a different way, and really noticing the scenery, and appreciating the beauty - even silly things like how it smells at night time, and the flowers that pop up in the woods.
There's a saying that you should live each day as if it were your last, and I feel a lot like that's what I'm doing at the moment. Makes me kind of regret not doing that before...!
Sophie
The decision was made more in terms of where can offer the best for the future, and I find England too expensive and overcrowded.
We came back from our hols in Oz (my first trip) 4 weeks ago to pack up our stuff, hand in our notices, and leave again. These 4 weeks 'in between' have been a real eye opener.
Knowing I'll be leaving people, I've made more effort to see all my friends, go out as much as possible, and visit all those places, restaurants, etc. that I had never got round to visiting.
I've been looking at England in a different way, and really noticing the scenery, and appreciating the beauty - even silly things like how it smells at night time, and the flowers that pop up in the woods.
There's a saying that you should live each day as if it were your last, and I feel a lot like that's what I'm doing at the moment. Makes me kind of regret not doing that before...!
Sophie