We had a lovely few days in London but we are both very happy to be back in Dorset. It was rather a rushed trip and we will go back later in the year and stay in the City. I would love to go up for the Christmas displays.
The British Museum
Last Sunday we spent about 3 hours at the British Museum. There are 4 million objects on display and in storage so no chance of ever seeing it all. We had a list of things to see and were pretty single-minded in tracking them down. The Rosetta Stone was top of my list. It is intriguing how its discovery unlocked the mystery of hieroglyphics after thousands of years. It took me back to studying Ancient Egypt with Year 7. The kids loved writing and deciphering messages in hieroglyphs. Jim was interested in the mummy collection. The mummies and objects plundered from the tombs are fascinating and, along with much of the controversial Greek collection, should probably be returned to their original home. Not that there is any chance of that. The BM even has brochures explaining why the Elgin Marbles shouldn’t be returned.
Later we took a trip on the Thames from Embankment near the Houses of Parliament to the Tower Bridge and back. It was a good way to get a perspective on the city for next time. It was also a good way to rest my aching feet. I had walked 19,000 steps by the end of the day.
Pointless
On Monday I woke very excited. Not because it was my birthday – that didn’t excite me at all! Going to Elstree studios to see Pointless UK being recorded was my birthday outing and it was great. We had seats in the front row so were very close to the action. “What action?” I hear you say. Jim thought he would be bored to tears but he enjoyed it too. When the audience warm up guy realized we were Australian we were subjected to sandpaper jokes but we expect that. We watched two episodes but don’t have any idea when they will be broadcast.
We stayed with our lovely friends Sue and Ron at Kingston-On-Thames on Tuesday night. It was great to see them again. Then headed home to Nightingale Farm. The dog and cat missed us and we missed them. It was great to be back.
Brexit is the topic of conversation everywhere we go. I am beginning to wonder who actually voted for Brexit. Everyone we meet seems to be vehemently opposed but I guess that is due to the demographic where we live. Boris Johnson, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump should put the world to rights in no time! ScoMo might feel a little bit left out in that company. In fact, he might feel distinctly left!
Jim picked the first produce from his garden today. Baby lettuce and silver beet (AKA chard), the first spring onions and some herbs. It will make a lovely little fresh salad for dinner tonight. He is going to the gym religiously every second morning and is looking and feeling great. Our landlord, David even told him he was looking very svelte. I don’t think Jim will ever get over it.
As I’ve been neglecting this for a week or so I have a few more things to tell you. However, I think that I’ve taken up enough of your time tonight. It is also time for me to have a cup of tea and go to bed. Look out for some news of our latest travel plans during the week.
Have a great week everyone. Love, Frankie and Jim (The svelte one).
List of Links
Anglo Saxon jewellery British Museum
Egyptian Collection British Museum
How the Parthenon lost its marbles
Jim and Frankie's Amazing Gap Year Adventure 