Exciting Sunday
Why do Sundays have a reputation for being so boring? I looked around on google to see if Sunday sounds better in other languages.
In Dutch Sunday is 'Zondag' which sounds like the name for a heavy metal party; in Hindu 'Ravi-Var' (try saying it quickly); in Latin 'Dies Solis' (reminds me of my school days). So I have settled on the Japanese translation - 'Nichi Youbi'. Sundays need never be boring again. Sounds fun, yes? Try saying it at speed in a high pitched voice without smiling when you next wake up. Here are some ideas for your next 'Nichi Youbi!':
Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes
Basement of Tavistock Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H 9EU, tel: 0207-183-1979, http://www.bloomsburybowling.com
Apparently bowling was first played over 5,000 years ago in Egypt, just in case you were wondering. Forget your normal bowling centre! This place is a 1950s styled venue (even the carpet dates back to the 1950s after spending 40 years in storage) with wood panelled walls and comfy leather padded swivel chairs. The bar is fashioned out of old bowling lane wood whilst the kitchen serves up authentic New York pizza and burgers. Good atmosphere with live bands and dj's on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Probably best to book in advance as this place gets busy.
Japanese Gallery
23 Camden Passage, Angel, Islington, London N1 8EA, tel: 0207-226-3347, www.japanesegallery.co.uk
Celebrate 'Nichi Youbi!' with a visit to this splendid Japanese Art Gallery specialising in Ukiyo-e (means 'floating world') woodblock prints - the most well-known of the Japanese arts. They also have Manga comics and Geisha exhibitions.
Guanabara Club
Parker Street, Corner Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW, tel: 0207-242-8600, www.guanabara.co.uk
I have been to Guanabara a few times and think the design is a subtle homage to the superb 1970s Brazilian football team - with the orange football light shades hanging above the bar; generous amounts of chrome and football shaped dance floor. The food is authentic but it can be difficult to get a table. Sunday in Brazilian-Portuguese is 'Domingo' (opera singer).