Yesterday we did not start our day at Trafalgar's Square, as was our custom. Instead, we took our bus to the British Museum. A gem of a museum, that one should not miss when in London, and it is free to boot.
However, the inexpensive audioguide is well worth it. It allows you to follow several very interesting tours of the museum's collections, as well as key in any item that strikes your fancy.
Crossing the gates and entering the courtyard of the museum feels like one is entering a typical "serious" museum, like so many other museums might feel like. But once you pass through the foyer, you enter the amazing, light and airy Great Court, covered by bright translucent skylight. The curves and lines of the modern staircases contrast wonderfully against the more classical entrances to the various rooms. Like the National Gallery, the British Museum feels very comfortable and inviting. There is no stuffiness to be found here at all.
The British museum probably has one of the best collections of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt. The same can be said of Greek, Persion, etc. In other words, if you want to see some of the best collections, you need not travel to each country, but simply to London's British Museum.
We listened to only two of the several tours, Ancient Egypt and the Parthenon. But had we more time, we would love to return and listen to the other tours as well. We did try and quickly walk through a good portion of the museum to get a glimpse of the other rooms and collections. It is far to big to take in and appreciate in a single day.
Knowing that there was still so much more to see, we left the museum and wandered about the streets of London.
We found ourselves behind the Royal Courts of Justice, stumbling upon a deligthful pub called "The Knights Templar." I ordered Bangers (sausages) and Mash, while Hera had a Sweet and Spicey Noodle dish. Both meals were great. Among other meals, I have had the traditional Fish and Chips, Steak Pie, and now Bangers and Mash. We have also had Chinese and Indian meals. Except for perhaps one meal in a very touristy pub, the food I have had in London has been exceptionally good. And their desserts are phenomenal, and I am not a dessert person!
Pubs are still very much part of the culture here despite all the changes. After work, it seems everyone comes over to a local pub for a pint, or two, or more. At the end of the work day, they are crowded, spilling onto the streets.
With the light falling, Hera decided to do some night photography without a tripod by using her Samsung Galaxy SII smart phone. We walked along now familar streets. Walked into the court of Somerset House, listening and watching its waterfalls that have a choreography all their own.
Walking further, we were once again at Trafalgar's Square. We did not start our day here as we commonly did, but it is hard not to find oneself here time after time.
We peered down the Mall at Buckingham Palace, and then walked along Whitehall towards the House of Parliament. Big Ben sounded the time as we admired the tower that holds it, along with the rest of Westminster Palace. We walked across Westminster Bridge towards the London Eye, then turned around and made our way back home.
Hera had wanted to see the National Portrait Gallery, so that was where we were headed today.
We took our familiar bus to Trafalgar Square once again, and walked into the National Portrait Gallery. Once again, it is free, but it is well worth using thier audioguide.
The National Portrait Gallery, as the name suggests, houses the portraits of notables, mostly paintings, but photography as well.
The top floor starts with the Kings and Queens, and the great personages of Court. As one walks along, we continue to see the images of Royalty, but those of the Sciences and the Arts start to appear as well. I knew so many by name, it was great to place a face to them as well.
Further along, we meet more contempory people like David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney, and Mick Jaggar.
With rain starting to fall, we found a comfortable pub, and chatted away as we had a pint. Part of appreciating a city, includes these moments of rest. Making like a local, and just enjoying the moment.
Rested, we were back onto the streets.
One place that we kept passing day after day was Hamleys Toy Store. A five story toy store that has been delight children of all ages for over 250 years, and I can see why. It was such a joy to make our way, floor after floor, as kids squeeled in glee, and demonstrators demonstrated the various toys. Even Hera became enamoured in several of the toys, but we left, buying only a few delicious sweets.
We continued our stroll passing store after store, walking into a few now and then, before we decided it was time to make our way back home.
Photographer's note: All the photos in this particular Blog post were shot with a Samsung Galaxy SII smart phone, and re-sized for the web. You can click on each image to see the details and the image quality.
Cheers,
Hera & Anthony
