Skating Under the Stars

If ice skating is not part of your routine, you probably only think about going during the holidays or during an Olympic winter. If so, it's time you thought about a session by month's end. It's national ice skating month in the States & many ice rinks & arenas are having special events, plus lower rates for a session. If you go, we'll go. Deal? (Our neighborhood has a small outdoor rink, open November through March. No excuses; we walk by it on the way to the market. Gulp. Photos, um, maybe:) If you're coming to Washington, DC for the Inauguration festivities, you should visit the National Gallery Sculpture Garden & go skating, too. If you live near an outdoor rink, try it (or go again). There's something special about skating at night under the stars that makes up for the cold.  xoxo

PS: Reward yourself with this. Or this, if alcohol isn't your thing.

(photograph by Clara Lidström)

It's National Ice Skating Month

January is National Ice Skating Month here in the States. It's too cold (for us) to think about skating outside today; however, a slightly warmer weekend forecast tempts us to think about the National Gallery Sculpture Garden rink. If there's a rink near you, outside or in, think about going. You don't have to be a great skater. Just have fun. (Plan treats for after or at the interval:)

If you're fortunate enough to live in London, Somerset House skating is on until January 22. Of course there are more rinks than that one. In New York, the famous rink at Rockefeller Center is fun, but our favorite is the Wollman. (A certain real estate mogul has insinuated into this area, as well. Refuse the 'T'...argh!)

ciao-meow/GG's editor

(illustration by Italian Alessandro Gottardo; see here for more. Love him.)

Ice Skating Lessons from the English Ballet - Week's End

A little overnight distraction from the crazy world. James Streeter of the English Ballet (formerly a speed skater) gives an excellent how-to basic lesson at London's Somerset House. Then a chic video statement by Tiffany (sponsors of the ice rink). Have a great evening & tomorrow morning (in Australia)! Giulia still has her little feline heart set on a spin around the rink at the Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC. (image of Mainzer cats from personal collection/website here)

ciao-meow/GGCM

Ice Skating in Washington, DC

Opening weekend for the 2010-2011 ice-skating season at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (Washington, DC) is currently scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 13 and 14. For inquiries, please call (202) 216-9397. (Jules Chéret poster)

Giulia wants skates. We've been over this before. No & no. Non.

ciao-meow/GGCM

Ice Skating in London

At Somerset House...how much fun is it? A lot! Wish we were there with stylish & sweet Emma Watson (aka Hermione). Seen on Wee Birdy (a really fun site). Wherever you are, though, most likely there's an outdoor rink (in the northern climes). There's a darling one here in Washington, at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art's East Wing. Go! Except: It will be closed at least part of Inaugural weekend...so if you were planning to do that, which would be totally cool, forget it kids. (photograph by Alan Davidson)

merry skating!
GG's editor

London Lights

Will Somerset House sue us? How mean would that be?* [No, no threats, we just didn't like the feeling; so see update & new public photograph info below.]

A post & a link to a cool photo of impossibly glam ice skating in London. GG is pondering how, just how, to go skating on the Mall or the canal in Georgetown (since she can't be in London). She doesn't need skates, just a fancy bow & an elegant wrap for her pink ear-tips. The post is from Wee Birdy & here is the beginning of her London-specific holiday list (but everything is available on-line & under £10).

*Update: a replacement photo by Michael Pead, used with permission of photographer via license.

Cheers!
GG & her editor