London …..More Hopping and Walking

 

 

 

….what we have found both interesting and pleasing is Britain’s love of flowers where virtually everywhere you look buildings are enhanced with vibrant displays of flowers……this pub though we think has gone a tad far….

…we get off a little early and walked the balance of the way…

…….Covent Garden area

 

…..Piccadilly area…..

…..a little bit of rain and voila: the British Museum

……a line-up to get in > no cost, as all museums in Britain do not require payment. There was a terrorist attack on the subway the other day and security has been tightened …….nevertheless the bag check is quick and polite and we are in….This is an incredible treasure trove and I can’t imagine it would be very far down any “best” list in the world. The trouble is that unless you have a specific interest you could spend literally days wandering through the rooms …….luckily for us they have a “museum for dummies” booklet which sets routes according to the time you wish to expend, focusing on a number of interesting exhibits, several shown below:

The Lewis chessmen or Uig chessmen, named after the bay where they were found are a group of distinctive 12th-century chess pieces, along with other gaming pieces, most of which are carved in walrus ivory.

The Rosetta Stone found in 1799, inscribed with three versions of a decree issued at Memphis, Egypt in 196 BC. The top and middle texts are in Ancient Egyptian using hieroglyphic script and Demotic script, respectively, while the bottom is in Ancient Greek. As the decree has only minor differences between the three versions, the Rosetta Stone proved to be the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs….clearly an incredible find and treasure…

Hoa Hakananai’a (‘lost or stolen friend’) Moai AD 1200

Even this short tour took several hours …..the setting is wonderful and obviously appreciated, as there is an unending visitor stream of all ages some with a keen interest (taking notes) and others more casual, like us. Should you feel faint from lack of drink or food you can re-energize at several food stations…..

With that cultural bit done the decision is to walk back to the hotel ….. along the way we came across fashion week…

…..and then onwards to the Hub….

…..a short break and out for dinner at The Clarence….

….this is a very attractive pub on Whitehall Rd where we enjoyed a pleasant and relaxing meal….with a somewhat Churchillian bulldog overseeing our table:

Saw and learned a lot today, so early to bed as tomorrow will be another day of “run and gun” touristing !!