Monday, May 20, 2013

The British Museum and Russell Square

Surprise!  Actual stitching progress and I use that word lightly. 
I've had next to no time to stitch since United plane landed at Heathrow.
I won't tell you about all the stitching supplies I carted over here... (yeah...lots of stuff)...
 
Today dawned gray and cold with puddles from the night's drizzle.  We decided it was the day to visit the British Museum.  So off we went.
 
I liked the shop details and window details of L. Cornelissen & Son located caddy corner to the museum.
 
Though I think you'd have to be mad to bicycle in London, these stands of 'for rent' bicycles have popped up everywhere including right next to the museum. 
 
The Great Court of the British Museum was built in 2000 and is now its most iconic feature.
 
The ceiling in amazing.
 
Mom and I got maps of the layout of the museum and off we went.  We split up and each went off in a different direct.  The rooms with Egyptian mummies are always extremely popular.  Today they were packed with school children out on a field trip to the museum.  I enjoyed visually cataloging the different school uniforms, and watching children interact with the exhibits.
 
I also enjoyed looking at the various found "hoards" of antique coins and jewelry.
 
There's something for everyone of every age at the British  Museum!
 
After several hours at the British Museum, we decided to take a leisurely stroll over to Russell Square.
 
There were lots of window boxes to admire along the way.
Russell Square had lilacs, roses, bleeding hearts, and centaurea.
 

Here's one of the entrances.
 
Inside the gates, pollinators were hard at work on perennial geraniums.
 
Squirrels scampered about though they were terribly out-numbered by pigeons. 

All and all it was a most pleasant day.  We spent time inside and time outside.  The threatening weather never made an appearance, and we ended our adventure by checking out another supermarket: Sainsbury.   As it was still a rather cool, dull day we thought it called for soup of dinner.  I had soothing French onion, and my mother enjoyed pea and ham with Stilton and table water biscuits.

10 comments:

cucki said...

Very sweet shop and lovely museum ..I love it :)
Love x

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Looks like another interesting day Beth. We once stayed in a hotel in Russell Square. The Tube station we used wasn't great as it didn't have an escalator - you had to use a lift instead and it could be a bit creepy at night. The ceiling looks very striking.

Margaret said...

You are having the most idyllic vacation! Thanks again for sharing with us. I'm loving it!

Barb said...

Beth, I just can't tell you enough how much I am enjoying these posts. I liked the looks of that little shop and the rest was amazing. I wondered how the children behaved. Did you notice any difference between British and American children?

Chris said...

Wow! What a wonderful museum.
I am enjoying your trip.

Giovanna said...

Got to love the BM... thanks for sharing

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I just love seeing what you saw today. It looks like you are having the best time! Thank so much for sharing it with us.

Vickie said...

Beth, I find the Egyptian animal mummies fascinating. The dog has the appearance of log cabin blocks of quilting. Would that be correct? Or was that woven? One solid piece?

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

Wow--the British Museum--thank you so much for sharing the great photos! And those flowers are so gorgeous--this looks to be just the right time to visit England for the flowers. And it's grey and cool here today as well--soup does sound good!

Maggee said...

I am now caught up on YOUR posts finally... What a fun vacation you are having! I noticed young teens have phones in England too... I don't think that is such a good idea (personal experience recently makes me think this!)but c'est la vie! I am enjoying all your great pictures... thanks so much for sharing! Did you REALLY think you would stitch a lot? REALLY? When you travel so far for a terrific vacation...?? Ha! Hugs to you and your Mom!