A visit to the British Museum provokes the question – why are these sculptures from the Parthenon in London? What are these artefacts? Are people like Mrs Clooney right in saying they are in the right place?
Also worth debating is the explanation of all the friezes and the original state of the building.
Would Greek people feel that the British Museum was the right place for these to be housed?
Eliza Stubbing/s came from this area prior to sailing across the globe with her husband, George Simkin. Two visits to the area, and we located a church that would have been there when she was a girl. The Borough markets and the Thames are nearby, as is Shakespeare/s Globe theatre.
A large green space of calm reflection lies just up the road from our accommodation. It holds the evidence of many lives. It is open from early in the morning until 8pm, and people walk there, rest there and visit some of the more recent graves. Crows, pigeons and squirrels share the space with humans. It is heartening to see the volunteers working to maintain this large and old site. An unexpected refuge from the heat and the urban flurry.
First full day of our trip to the UK and Ireland. Much is different since 1976!! Most noticeably for us is that London’s not the cold, dull place it was then. The fact that this is not a winter visit is obviously part of the reason. Trees have leaves on them, and it is the middle of a heat wave. Sights like these were impossible in January:
The buildings have also been cleaned. St. Paul’s gleams, the riverside buildings are spruced up. The buses, while still red and double decker, are clean and rather “green” although the tube is a little tired.
Staying in a hotel brings a stark contrast to home: heating is available, but air conditioning only in the communal areas. No fridge in the room!
Trains are “cooled” by opening windows. Underground is stifling. Most shops seem to just open their doors.
Today’s visits included Lambeth, The Imperial War Museum, and the Thames.
Margaret Simkin 