Theo Jansen is showing his wind-powered walking sculptures outside the ICA this month, I would love to be going, it should be awesome. Saw the ICA’s current main exhibition (Around the world in 80 days) when I was over a couple of weeks ago, it’s worth a miss but their bookshop is always wallet-stretchingly good.

I just checked the ICA website; looks like the walking sculptures will be at Trafalgar Square on the 27th, so that’s something to see after my V&A visit.

If I get a chance I’d love to visit the ICA bookshop, but Charing Cross Road is much closer to where I’m staying so I might give all my spending money to Foyles instead.

Go and see the Soane Museum, Sir John Soane’s house, which he filled to the brim with wonderful antiquities (and a lot of Hogarth, amongst other beautiful paintings) and then left as was when he died. It’s cramped, full of treasures, unlike anything else, and entirely free. Fun.

there’s a skyscraper known as the Gherkin, 30 St. Mary Axe which is a fantastic building. Next time I hit London that’s on my agenda

From someone who lives in London, take it from me that it’s always a nice to wander along the South Bank. Tonnes of things to do.

Yep, definitely - London Bridge and west to Tate Modern is nice, or Embankment/Westminster and then east, past Westminster, the Hayward Gallery, the National Theatre, County Hall, on to Tate Modern and then towards Tower Bridge. Especially good if the weather’s nice.

Okay so seriously, you make me feel like such a bum sometimes (although that’s what I am).

Here I am in London yet again and have done nothing at all cultural, unless you count watching tonights England-Sweden game at the pub with a bunch of screaming English people.

But I have caught up with a lot of old friends and met some nice new ones.

Pity I’m leaving tomorrow so our visits don’t overlap.

Enjoy!

Thanks for all the great advice so far! I probably have too much on my list now, but whatever I don’t do or see next week can be saved for another time. London is such a big city that there’ll always be something new.

Eoin: I saw the Gherkin when I was there with Benitha last year, but only from Bankside; we didn’t have time to go to the City. I’m hoping to make time on Tuesday to see it.

Wendy: You’re not the only friend/acquaintance I won’t be able to meet in London next week! Where are you off to now?

After London I spent a few days in Wales (I now can’t say Wales without saying it in a faux South Wales accent) and a few more in the Lake District (very strange people there).

I’m now back at home in Edinburgh, and will be here until the end of the summer. So if you fancy a visit to the festival, let me know!

I’d love to go to the Edinburgh Festival! But I can’t afford it this year, either time or money wise. I’ll get there with Benitha within a couple of years, I’m certain — and knowing your fondness for the place, we’ll probably bump into you there too!

Ah yes, if only I could say I’d be here still! But since 2002 I’ve been here for August 4 out of 5 years, so there’s always a good chance.

Anyone want to marry me so I can continue to be a festival junkie?