Setting up 18 studios, Long Eaton, Nottingham

Day 5 Sunday, but not a day of rest. Up early to see the acropolis and our first venture into Athens centre. Admission is free on Sundays and therefore busy. Biblical, humbling and awesome. So pleased we made it. Meandering round the city we saw graffiti. No Banksy here. You didn’t need to read the language to understand the desperation of an angry generation. This was the last day of Art-Athina and also Greek elections. We were told this might affect the turn-out in a negative way. Wrong. We returned at a leisurely pace to find a throng which continued til 9 when it was closing time. We were invited to the Platform booth by Artemis, the organiser for a drink. Grappa of course. I’m not a fan but knocked a drop back as we toasted a fantastic event with other artists. V warming. Day 6 up early to take down. our only day off and the weather was lousy. A final trip into old town and a lovely lunch. Home on Day 7 Last night I visited the NTU show. As usual I spent a lot of time talking to friends. Interesting work that deserves a proper look. I’m drawing at Lakeside next week and need to start preparing. We have a preview of Carole Hawthorne’s recent paintings on Sunday so I will pick up the materials then. I’m looking forward to the event as I haven’t been to the studio much recently. I’ve been looking after my little granddaughter with chicken pox whilst her mum is on placement doing an MA in Social Work. And of course I am looking forward to seeing Carole’s vibrant paintings.. A tonic for the grey weather :)