The British Museum

Today Jason left bright and early at 4am back to his dorm. Once he left I went to sleep until 11am London time.  It took me an hour once I was up to get dressed and ready to get on with my day.  At noon I was out the door and on my way to the British Museum.  I have to admit for a place that is only 1 mile away or 19 minutes by foot you would think I was hunting a buried treasure.  I got lost so many times and had to ask so many people which way was up or down.  Its fun to hear Londoners speak, with their this way, thatta way, your almost their.... in such a encouraging fashion.  I didn't feel too bad because you would ask Londoners which way is this place and they would say they didn't know either.  My face frowns as I'm thinking... oooohhh K.  As I am walking through the city making turns I find so many places or spots that I have no choice but to stop and smell the roses...

No literally there are gardens and parks everywhere and they come with flowers or pathways with greenery that is just not available in Arizona.

  It's so lush and pretty.  I tell Jason that unlike his group like setting and his drill Sargent Guide that's saying move it! move it! move it! I am just walking here to there without a care in the world.  No schedule to keep, no body to please, no one to follow.... ITS JUST ME! When I finally get to the Museum I take my sweet time walking and reading and taking in all the artifacts. Going through a Museum at this point in my life is so different then when I was younger.  I actually want to read the info and take in the information.  I am learning amazing things like Chess originated in India or how different currency started or when it ended.  I spent roughly 3 hours in the Museum and plan to  go back a few more times since I only got through 15% of it. 

One of the most amazing parts of the collection that I was able to witness was the Egyptian collection.  I learned about mummification and actually saw real life human remains. 

They even went as far as putting on display real human remains that were not mummified or bodies that were.  It appears the difference is the skin, teeth, even hair was attached.  They keep it at a certain tempeture in the glass to keep it preserved.  It was certainly fascinating to say the least.  I would have to say all and all the Musuem is certaintly very comprehensive and I believe its the largest of its kind due to the enormaty of the artifacts.

I was able to see the Chinese collection, African collection (brought in by Nelson Mandella and the many other Roman scuptures that were on display. 

When it was time to leave I headed back towards my part of town (how funny the Muesum is only a mile away) and thougt I could stop at my favorite place (McDonalds) for a cup of coffee.

  I sat looking out the window checking my face book and watched the comings and goings of Londoners trying to remember the faces (well really the cute outfits) but their faces too.  I tried to imagine myself living here (which is easy to do) but then my thoughts turned quickly to my family and friends and just like that my mind was back home.  (It was a nice vacation from the vacation, but those thoughts can be dangerous) especially since I love AZ.  Anyway moving on...

At McDonalds I connected with Jason and dinner plans were set.  He was finalizing his paper (homework) and we were set to leave around 5:30pm.  Our first mission was to try to make it to a store that Jason did some shopping at during the day and the lady was kind enough to hold the shirt until the end of the day.  We ducked and dived, ran and climbed public transportation  until I finally said Jason go without me (that sounds dramatic but it was) just so he could make it to the store before it closed at 6pm.  I did my best to stay with him and he kindly waited for me but I could sense the disappointment that we didnt make it,  but he did not allow that to spoil our time together at all.  We stopped off and had a glass of wine (his large mine small) and after 45 minutes of pleasentries and catching up we went on to dinner at Zitto's a quaint little Italian spot.  The awesome thing about London, is when you are in the right spot (next to a pub) you find many good food spots.  We were tired at this point (8pm London time) and so we ate and talked and made plans to go to Paris tomorrow. 

We are jumping on a train and hopefully plan to enjoy a few days in Paris....

Hope you are enjoying my blog so far!

Off Schedule

Yesterday was a very interesting day.  It started out with me sleeping in till 3pm London time.  This is completely no beuno because this means I lost a whole day just about, and it means I threw my sleep off.  Trying to adjust to the 8 hour time difference is hard enough but to sleep on your home pattern is not good. When I got up I was famished so I decided to go out and get some food but when I got up to leave I noticed it was raining.  I went back up stairs to try to wait it out and decided to do a load of laundry for Jason and me.  Within 5 mins the hard and steady rain was completely non-existent.  As the clothes washed (cost to wash a load is 3 pounds) so almost $5 American)

 I went to eat at one of the best places I have eaten so far since being in London.  I had a glass of wine (red Merlot) Pasta which turned out to be stuffed Ravioli with a grilled tomato and rocket. I indulged, eating cheese cake and hot tea.  The experience took over an hour.  I will remember the meal as my first great meal here in London.  After my meal, I went back to the dorm which is about 7-8 min from the restaurant and put the clothes up and unloaded some stuff.




 I then ventured out to find my local Kingdom Hall.  It can be difficult to find your way around and in the evening I have to be careful alone.  It seems safe here but with so many people one can't be sure.  After taking 3 trains on the tube and a double decker I was right in front of the Hall.  I felt home.  Its ironic that people were on the way to the Kingdom Hall as I arrived promptly at 7:30pm which made it easier to ask questions about service and meeting times.

 I wished I was dressed because I would have gone in and just sat there. I found that most meet at homes during the week for service which would make service difficult to go to until I meet someone but I was able to find out what time they meet for service and all the meetings.  I will have to settle for the Sunday meeting since Jason and I will be in Paris for the next few days.

On my way back I made a few stops in a few stores and added a few more streets into my mental rolodex.  I got home after 9pm and around midnight Jason came to see me.  He stayed with me until the morning.  He probably could tell I really missed him since I pretty much threatened him not to leave or else.  He got the picture alright. (LOL)





Just as I predicted when it came time to go to sleep I stayed up all night and fell asleep at 4am London time. I finished my book Water for Elephants and started the amazing Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.  I woke up at 11am which gave me a good amount of the day.