Today was a perfect day for Brighton’s ninth World Naked Bike ride. It’s a peaceful protest against car culture and oil dependency. 
Those brave enough to, bare as much as they dare, to demonstrate the power and vulnerability of cyclists.
If you are feeling shy… wear a mask!
The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. Everyone seemed to be having a fantastic time, particularly those in the fountain at the Old Steine!
A gentle start in Chur…
The Glacier Express in Switzerland is one of the slowest express trains in the world, but still makes for high speed sketching.
On to Gornergrat.
The final train journey home, via Geneva. Even the Brighton train was on time!
I finally got to see the Turner by the sea exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich this weekend. It’s great to see such an amazing body of work in one place. I recommend getting the audio tour for some added context.
As well as more familiar paintings, you get to see some of Turner’s sketchbooks and unfinished works.
I was so inspired, I had to immediately walk to the Royal Observatory and do a double page spread of Greenwich Park!
With that out of my system there was time for a quick stop at the Tate modern to sketch the silver birch trees before it got too dark.
I’ve tried ice skating a few times. I spent most of the time clinging to the edge, or sliding on my knees, staring up at the gleeful faces of 7 year olds as they swished past, flicking ice in my fearful face.
This is why the Royal Pavillion ice rink is the perfect skating venue for me. All I have to do is park myself in the warm comfort of the restaurant, and carefully lift a cup of mulled wine to my mouth without burning my tongue. It’s exhilarating!
The rink couldn’t be in a better location, especially at night with the camped up lighting. The restaurant and bar provide plenty of seating if like me, you’d rather sit it out. I particularly recommend the beer battered halloumi on the evening menu.
The rink is open until 19th January so there’s still time to flounder or figure skate around the circuit.
The 2013 Cinecity Brighton Film festival kicked off on the 14th November and runs to 1st December.
Venues include the fantastic Duke of York’s picturehouse. This Grade II listed building has been operating as a cinema for over 100 years, making it the oldest cinema in continuous use in the country.
The 20 foot can-can legs were originally made for the ‘not the Moulin Rouge’ cinema in Oxford, but were relocated in the early 1990’s.
The festival is also running at the Duke’s sister venue “Duke’s at Komedia” in the North Laine.
Both cinemas have a bar, so if you like your film washed down with something stronger, this is where to go. For an extra special treat, throw in some cake and lounge on a sofa in the balcony at the Duke of York’s.
You can pick up the full programme for the festival at the Jubilee Library in Brighton or visit www.cine-city.co.uk.
cmoorelife 