One of the most talked about art exhibitions here is a showing of contemporary Middle Easten art at the Saatchi Gallery. Most of the artists now live in the west.
Like many museums and venues here, the Saatchi is free. But you'll want to invest a few dollars in the exhibition guide. Without it you likely won't understand the cultural references to the plight of widowed women turned prostitutes -- a byproduct of war. And how would you ever know that a particular artist's vision was shaped by hiding in a desert hole for three years, living off the kindness of a stranger?
One of the most striking works is a sea of kneeling women crafted in foil by Attia. The foil figures are all hauntingly empty, speaking to the unfulfilling status of women in a fundamentalist world.
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London: One fine day
So you think it's always rainy in London? Not so!
In 2008, London experienced 165 rainy ways, according to the London weather website.
Too early to know about 2009, of course, though I can attest that yesterday was one of them.
Today is a different story...clear, though cool enough to see your breath.
Today's deal: No single supplement
For years I traveled solo -- and sometimes still do. From a financial standpoint, being on your own isn't easy. If you want to take a tour or cruise, you often pay a hefty single supplement just shy of pay for two full fares.
But with this oinky economy, more travel suppliers are waiving the single supplements. Here's one:
Elegant Cruises & Tours is waiving the single supplement on its April 15 and April 22 week-long sailings of the Dalmation Coast of Croatia from Venice to Dubrovnik. The line is also offering $300 per person savings plus 30 percent off shore excursions. Sailings take place on the 62-passenger Monet.
Cruise only rates begin at $2,895 per person, less the $300 per person savings. Complimentary house wine and beer are served with lunch and dinner on board.
A few years ago I sailed on a similar itinerary with a different company. The walled medieval towns were delightful, the people welcoming, the views spectacular. Dubrovnik deserves extra days.
But what if this is too pricey for your wallet? Singles have dozens of other options, from women's travel companies to inexpensive tours that pair roommates, like those from Adventure Center, GAP Adventures and Intrepid Travel.
Or you can just snag a Lonely Planet guide or Moon Handbook and head out on your own. For years I did just that -- and sometimes still do.
To forestall loneliness, I try to stay in budget lodgings where I'm likely to meet other solos, and I usually sign up for a day tour or even a short, multi-day tour where I'll meet fellow travelers.
Safety can be an issue, but I keep my purse under wraps, dress casually and pick locations popular with other independent travelers, like Asia and Europe.
Oddly, the U.S. is one of the toughest places to travel on your own. My own 28-day roadtrip a few years ago reminded me that here, people often view solo women with suspicion. And because we often drive, we feel more vulnerable. (In my case, a breakdown alone is cause for alarm; cars and I have an uneasy alliance.)
My advice for traveling the U.S. alone: Get a cell phone with good coverage, and plan to meet up with friends along the way. Go to festivals, events and museums where you're like to be engaged whether you know anyone or not. Travel by mass transit if you can, and sign up for day tours and park ranger talks. Park in well-lit areas, take a book to dinner and don't drink too much. Sometimes, solitude is all the company you need.
Got your own solo travel tips? Share them!
PHOTO: Dubrovnik, JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD
