Wednesday 9th August 2023
It's Women's Day in South Africa and I woke to some nice messages plus the sun was shining. I have so many places I want to see all saved on my phone, but I couldn't decide what to do. Instead I got into 'skit' mode and recorded another video for my online tour. It brought back memories of the early lockdown days when I had to invent props and make do with what I had. My friend has no cowboy hats, lol! But I arranged some things and used the little makeup I have to turn me into my character that I'm exploring, HB Marshall. Yes, Henry on Women's day.
After I'd scrubbed everything off, I decided on my destination for the day, the Natural History Museum. I really didn't plan it properly. 1pm, mid sunny day in the middle of English school holidays.... sigh. I also didn't book a ticket so I didn't get the fast track queue. Instead I stood winding my way with thousands of others for about 30 minutes. At least the building was breathtaking so my waiting view was very cool.
"Architect Alfred Waterhouse and his iconic Natural History Museum building. Waterhouse created an extraordinary menagerie of terracotta designs worthy of a 'cathedral to nature'. From the imposing gargoyles on the façade to the most delicate interior detail, every element of his design pays homage to the natural world." Wikipedia
Work began in 1873 and was completed in 1880. It cost around £500 000 to build and the attention to detail is mind boggling. I almost ignored all the displays and focused entirely on the building the stairs arches, floors, it's magnificent and overwhelming. The noise in the central chamber was deafening so slipping into one of the side rooms was like a calming balm. I watched as people ate their sandwiches and teens dragged their limbs behind mom and dad. Then suddenly I needed out.
The sun was so hot I had to keep to shady side of the street. And I didn't have to walk far to find another Museum, this time the Victoria and Albert. What a contrast in volume of noise and people. The building too is impressive but this time the exhibits did keep my attention. And room after room just made me gasp at all the things. Man, it's going take a year of visits to cover it all.
I decided to leave before my brain overheated with all the stimulus and I saw just the medicine... cake. A huge bottle of spring water and the delicious cheesecake gave me enough vooma to find my way back to the subway.
A lovely busy day, completed.
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