Museums and Markets

There are some amazing museums and markets here in London. The past two days we have visited both the British Museum and the Natural History Museum as well as the Covent Garden, Spitalfields, and Petticoat Lane Markets.

The museums are incredible. The buildings themselves are fantastic, huge halls, soaring ceilings, and all made with stone. And then there are the things in these museums. All those things you have read about in history and science books seem to be in the museums here. Greek statues, Egyptian mummies, and those big heads from Easter Island are all at the British Museum! And still, we only saw a small part of the museum. At the Natural History Museum it was specimens of the "living fossil" Coelacanth and the now extinct Great auk and Dodo. For me the highlight was the mineral gallery, a huge hall of some of the most amazing and beautiful examples of  minerals in perfect crystal forms. (I guess that is the geologist in me.) I have never seen so many minerals before, only if I had more time. The boys really enjoyed this museum but I think I enjoyed it more.

The markets here are so incredible. The throngs of people, fantastic goods for sale, the smell of great food, and the street entertainers combine to make such a great atmosphere. Aaron wasn't so keen on the shopping but he did enjoy the food and entertainment but at Spitalfield there was a balcony where he enjoyed the looking down on the market and just taking it all in. At this market we also enjoyed the antics of a "living statue" as he surprised people passing by. It was here were Susan also begun her collection of scarves.

Overall it was a great couple of days. We are starting to explore more and are beginning to be swept up in the pace and vibrancy of London. The boys are adapting into the new flow of our lives as we start our explorations.

Tomorrow is our last full day in London and then it is off to France.