A few days in London staying with Richard and Nicola are so refreshing. I don't like the crowds as it feels claustrophobic but it's worth it for the experience of the events that are available.

<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/nhm-wildlife-photonov16.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4077" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/nhm-wildlife-photonov16-300x209.jpg" alt="nhm-wildlife-photonov16" width="300" height="209" /></a>The first event was the <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-52.html" target="_blank">Wildlife Photography</a> exhibition at the Natural History Museum. There were many stunning images but this one of a bat flying out of its roost in a derelict building just captured my imagination. Modern photography relies on technology (motion sensors and multiple shots) so the photographer doesn't need to be present when the shutter fires so the skill comes from knowing the creature's habits and making sure the image is captured. One photographer using such a device looked through over 200,000 images taken over several months to find the one they would enter into the competition.This doesn't strike me as art by design but more like art by accident.

<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cymbelinenov16.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-4078 size-medium" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cymbelinenov16-300x200.jpg" alt="cymbelinenov16" width="300" height="200" /></a>In the evening we went to see Shakespeare's <a href="https://www.barbican.org.uk/theatre/event-detail.asp?ID=19609" target="_blank">Cymbeline at the Barbican</a>. We had all read the plot summary in preparation but the RSC had decided to change the characterisation so instead of Cymbeline being the king she was the queen.

It was beautifully produced and funny in parts so even though it was three hours long I managed to stay awake (OK the eyelids did get heavy at times). I get very emotional when I watch something as good as this.

A visit to London isn't complete without a visit to Tate Modern. Walking across the Millennium Bridge from St Paul's and taking in the views along the Thames is always inspiring. As you can see from the sky the weather was bright and crisp.

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<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/radical-eyenov16.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4076 alignleft" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/radical-eyenov16-227x300.jpg" alt="radical-eyenov16" width="227" height="300" /></a><a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/radical-eye-modernist-photography-sir-elton-john-collection" target="_blank">The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography</a> was an exhibition of images collected by Sir Elton John of early 20th century photographers. Some were quite small and had little impact whereas others were not just of their time but will have an impact forever.

Often in black and white photography it's the shadows and contrasts that make the difference. This woman in the american mid-west during the depression speaks volumes - hard times, love and affection depicted in an instant.

The downside of travelling back to Market Rasen on the train on a Saturday is the lack of service. I couldn't get a train to Newark and then straight to Market Rasen but had to get off at Peterborough; take a train to Lincoln and then catch another train heading for Grimsby. The worst part was the half hour wait on Lincoln station on a freezing cold platform. Overall the trip was well worth the travel discomfort.