Europe, day 43: The sights of London

Big Ben, with the London Eye

The trouble with London is that it has far too much to see in two days. Our first hit list was Westminster abbey, which is right next to the Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. The Eye is madly expensive, and the Abbey is similarly at a generous fee. It does include an audio guide, which is very informative, though pictures are forbidden.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey's facade is large enough to make photography difficult. The chimes who take the abbey's name are played by Big Ben. Coincidentally, most of Europe seems to be synchronized to Dad's watch. Big Ben is no exception.

A typical Egyptian pose

The British Museum is really big. Dad and I only got through Ancient Egypt and Greek, taking several hours, and causing me to completely forget about my hunger. I am fascinated by ancient art (not "old art", Brussels), so the Museum was an absolute feast of art(ifacts).

Headband not included

I enjoy trying to copy the poses of statues. I do not deem it fitting, however, to do so naked. The statue and I are both tying invisible headbands after finishing a race. My race was through the British Museum; I didn't ask what he had finished.

The Elgin Marbles

Yes, the British Museum contains a startling amount of artifacts, including those lovingly lifted from their original locations. These marbles once crowned the Parthenon on the Acropolis, but now lounge in the British Museum.

I wish that we had more time to visit the Museum, but like all museums, it closes. Ah well, I guess I'll have to come back some time...

Cleopatra's Needle

Speaking of lifted art, this oft-overlooked piece of Egyptian history and art actually predates Cleopatra. It's one of two; the other is in New York. Maybe there's a connection between having a successful subway system and an obelisk. Anyway, it's under repair, so it'll hopefully be better the next time I visit it.