British Museum

A visit to the British Museum, the home of the artifacts acquired by this country, in the days when England believed it owned much of the world.   

But first a trip on the underground, and an opportunity for the girls to learn how to read the maps, and find the right platform.   A ride down the escalator, making sure to stand on the right hand side, so that the very keen can run past quickly.  But hold on tightly.

 A walk along the passageways between platforms.   Will they never end!

 We finally arrived at Holborn, the nearest underground railway station.

What is this?  A fold up bicycle shop.  Just a little diversion on the way to the British Museum.    The foldup bicyles were displayed in the small glass cabinets at the back of the shop.  Fascinating.

 Finally we arrived at the British Museum.   And I did not get lost walking there.  Amazing.

 Mia and Abi standing in the giant entrance hall, which connects all parts of the museum together. Free entrance to London museums.   The girls were most impressed by this.

 But first lunch, most important.   I was impressed with the casual arrangement, where it was possible to eat your packed lunch, as well as purchase items from the two cafes.  Great for families or people on a budget.  There was even fresh water, with ice, and cups, available on the table behind the girls.

 Looking down from the second level, towards some of the tables, with totem poles standing straight and tall.

 The girls studying the stone wall in front of them.

 A room full of mummies.   I think many pyraminds must have been emptied to provide the exhibits here.  The display was huge.   The girls were not impressed with this part of the museum.   Too eerie.

 The ancient scripts were fascinating.   Mia was able to identify some of the pictures.   I was most impressed.

A Roman Temple?   This was certainly one of the larger articfacts.

 Mia and Abi thought these two bumps were put in the end of the sarcophagus to cater for an extra tall person.   They were actually the handles of the lid.   But only for extra strong people to lift, as it was made of stone.

 A very fine articfact, and small too.

And to continue the horse theme.   This was a gigantic white marble horse.   It looked very real.  A phantom horse?

 A flying red horse, with a skeleton rider!

There was so much to see, and we only really looked at a few rooms, but it was enough for two little girls.  So off we went back to Holborn station, where we caught the train to Covent Garden, for refreshments at a cafe and a quick look at the market area.    The girls were intrigued by this performer.  How did he manage to sit in the air and hold a pole?

Finally we went back to Charing Cross and caught the train home.   Abi concentrating on a game on my telephone.

Two tired girls and a tired Oma.