Yesterday we went to the Tate Modern. The day dawned grey and drizzly, but we made it to the tube with just a few sprinkles. The Tate Modern covers the 20th century. I like Fauvism, Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, and the Depression-era Realism, but most of the rest does not excite me. One artist quoted John Cage, “I have nothing to say and I’m saying it.” That sums up too much of modern art in my opinion. I prefer Mark Twain: “If you have nothing to say, say nothing.” The few pieces I enjoyed at Tate Modern are not worth making a return visit.

One more comment about Tate Modern: it appears to be a poorly managed institution. Signs are everywhere saying no photography, no drinks, and no food. However, people wandered everywhere taking pictures with everything from cell phones to high end digital cameras with the museum staff looking on. Others ate and drank as they strolled through the exhibits without any feedback from staff. Below many pieces there remained plaster dust, apparently from drilling holes to hang the pieces. Finally, the lighting on some pieces seemed to make them dull and faded. This points to a lack of management direction. Other London art museums have been much better.

We got caught in a thunder storm on the way to the tube station. By the time we got on the train we were soaked below our jacket bottoms. Pants, shoes, and socks were sopping. I left a puddle where I stood on the first train and a wet seat on the second. We walked the mile back to our lodging in a light rain. Arriving “home” we decided to send out for some hot Indian food for dinner.

The locals are quite happy to get some badly needed rain. All of Europe is quite dry. The exception seems to be Ireland, where we will be next week.