Quiet day

Monday 9^th September.

Running out of time to see some of the things that we thought we might, so today is our fill-in day. The British Library and British Museum, 2 places not far from where we’re staying, and the places we thought we’d pop into on the way home any day we finished up early enough, but never did. The British Library is home to an original copy of the Magna Carta (tick) and the Gutenburg Bible (tick). Also of interest, some original writings by the Beatles, and other more classical composers, old maps and the early drawings which would have stirred interest in tourism in Britain. Bit disappointed there wasn’t more that grabbed our attention, but probably just as well because when we got to the British Museum …… we could have stayed there for days!! The building itself is jaw-dropping and there’s room after room of such interesting things.

inside the British Museum

We’d already had some background info on the ‘Rosetta Stone’ with Flick the volunteer the other day, so seeing the real thing was first on the list. By the way, I think I know how Flick got her name – she’s a hair toucher! As she talked, she touched her hair so much I was starting to get distracted counting the number of times she flicked or touched or stroked her hair. Trevor didn’t notice.  Anyway, we saw the Rosetta Stone, then we decided to follow the ‘don’t miss’ list provided in the Museum map/guide. Something the Library could take notes from.

Roman Wedgewood

We saw the Lewis Chessmen, apparently the most famous chess set in the world; the Oxus treasures, gorgeous metalwork from ancient Persia; the Portland Vase, the Roman inspiration for Wedgewood, absolutely stunning; some impressive Samurai armour; Ming dynasty cloisonné; an Easter Island statue; and last, but by no means least (and if you’ve seen them, you’ll know what I mean), Elgin’s Marbles or more properly known as the Parthenon sculptures, still a sore point between Britain and Greece. I had no idea they’d be so big or in such numbers.

the Lewis Chessmen

We also spent some time in the Chinese and south East Asian section, but unfortunately the Japanese art section was temporarily closed, so no viewing of a favourite of mine, “The Wave”.  Was sorely tempted to buy the 2014 calendar of Japanese Art, but maybe I’ll find one in Norway with pictures of the Northern Lights.

Still a few hours left in the day, so the fall-back plan is the Tate Britain, which in hindsight, should have been the National Gallery, but, oh well. We saw a big display of Turner’s works, and Constable’s ‘Cornfields’. Trevor wanted to know if Turner had a degenerative eye condition like Monet. I’m not sure, but I think it was a valid question.

Doesn’t sound like a big day, but it was, and of course we had typical English weather. In fact, last night I had to pull the ‘duvet’ up, I was feeling a bit chilly. Today’s top temp was probably low teens but tomorrow’s forecast is for high teens which will be nice. Fish and chips at the pub tonight (sorry Clare and Mary, I know I said I wouldn't)

Would love to go to Hampton Court Palace tomorrow. Will have to see how we wake up.